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Local councils can now settle disagreements; young people and minorities are promised a voice.
BY Mahnoor | 03-06-2026
RAWALPINDI: The proposed Local Government Act 2025 aims to create a new system in Punjab. It will give power to local communities so they can solve their own problems more easily.
Under the new plan, local government will include Town Corporations, Municipal Corporations, Municipal Committees, Tehsil Councils, and Union Councils.
Each Union Council will have 13 members: nine elected directly by the people and four chosen for reserved seats.
Reserved seats are set aside for one woman, one farmer or worker, one young person, and one non-Muslim.
The council members will elect a Chairman and a Vice Chairman by voting with a show of hands. The Chairman and Vice Chairman will run for office together as a team.
Under the new voting rules, all nine general councillors will be chosen by a direct secret vote. Each UC will act as one large area where every voter gets one vote.
The nine candidates with the most votes will win. Afterward, the general councillors will vote by a show of hands to choose the members for the reserved seats.
To run for councillor, you must be a registered voter and at least 21 years old. Candidates for Chairman or Vice Chairman must be at least 25, and youth seat candidates must be between 18 and 32.
The new law bans people with corruption convictions, government employees, those who owe money to banks or utility companies, people who lie on forms, and those holding two political offices at once.
The new law gives Union Councils a lot of power. They can approve local budgets, collect taxes and fees, and keep official records of births, deaths, marriages, and divorces.
UCs will also be allowed to manage small projects, such as building and fixing roads, drains, water systems, and toilets.
They will take care of hand pumps, wells, water tanks, and other local water sources. They will also help local government with sewage, cleaning, and trash disposal.
The councils will help clear public roads and shared spaces, support local sports and festivals, and assist with relief efforts during floods, earthquakes, diseases, and other emergencies.
