LHC moved for early LG polls in Punjab

The Lahore High Court has been petitioned to mandate early provincial elections in Punjab, arguing that such polls are a constitutional obligation rather than a decision left to governmental discretion. The Judicial Activism Panel (JAP) submitted the application, which also seeks to prevent the transfer of local government powers and assets to un-elected entities or private corporations.

The legal action, filed through Advocate Azhar Siddique, contends that withholding elected local representatives from the people of Punjab infringes upon their constitutional and democratic entitlements. According to the panel, Article 140-A of the Constitution mandates provincial governments to establish local government bodies and delegate authority to them, obligating the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to hold local government elections without invoking delays in legislation or administrative setbacks by the government.

The panel also raises concerns over the delegation of local government functions to private entities and un-elected authorities, claiming that entrusting public funds, assets, and municipal powers to unelected officials and corporate organizations contravenes the constitutional principle of decentralization. The petition highlights that local government elections in Punjab have been postponed despite prior Supreme Court rulings on the issue, requesting the court to instruct the ECP to announce a definitive election timetable with precise timelines, alongside a comprehensive plan for delimitation, electoral rolls, and other requisite preparations.

The plea also demands the Punjab government to disclose the names of all private companies and authorities that have been granted control over local government powers or resources. Furthermore, the court is asked to prevent the transfer of such powers and assets to un-elected bodies until a final judgment on the ongoing constitutional petition is reached.