By Samuel Bashir
(President, Punjab Minority Forum Pakistan)
The Minority Forum Pakistan welcomes the promulgation of the Punjab Local Government Bill 2025 and the decision of the Election Commission of Pakistan to hold local government elections. The implementation of local governments in Punjab will be an important step towards restoring democracy at the grassroots level and promoting public representation.
The President of the Punjab Minority Forum Pakistan stated that, according to a conservative estimate, 4,500 to 6,000 urban and rural union councils will be established in Punjab in proportion to the population. These will include at least 6,000 representatives from minorities, youth, farmers/workers, and women, and about 54,000 political workers in each category on reserved seats. This process will provide a vast opportunity for enhancing public participation and political education.
The President of the Punjab Minority Forum clarified that the provision of a general seat instead of a Muslim seat in the elections is a positive step, as it removes any legal restriction on citizens — including minorities — regardless of colour, race, religion, or gender, to contest elections on general seats. Therefore, it can be said that the current local government law does not discriminate on the basis of religion in terms of voting rights and representation. Moreover, representation for both minority men and women has been ensured at the town, tehsil, and district council levels, which is a positive indication of equal inclusion.
However, the President expressed concern that the non-party and show-of-hands system is contrary to democratic traditions such as the secret ballot and established constitutional practices. Similarly, the exclusion of councilors elected on specific seats from participating in the election of the chairman contradicts the principle of equal citizenship.
The Minority Forum Pakistan urges the Governor of Punjab, the Government of Punjab, and the election bodies to:
- Ensure that local body elections are held transparently, on a party basis, and in a manner that inspires public trust.
- Clarify in the election rules that the religious declaration in the nomination papers applies only to Muslim candidates. Furthermore, in cases where a minority representative is not available, the seat should remain vacant until a minority councilor is elected.
- To make the representation of minorities and women more effective in the decision-making process, public opinion should be respected during the selection process. Voter concerns — especially regarding the accurate registration and recognition of minority votes — should also be addressed.
The Minority Forum Pakistan believes that the foundation of a prosperous and democratic Pakistan lies in the implementation of equal citizenship, effective representation, and empowered local leadership. Article 140-A of the Constitution also makes it mandatory for all provincial governments to establish effective local governments so that, through local leadership, government facilities are made available to all citizens without discrimination.
