Punjab Assembly approves new local government bill amid protests.

Punjab – (Special Correspondent / Web Desk) – Despite constant protests from the opposition benches, the Punjab Assembly approved the Local Government Bill 2025 on Monday.
All amendments proposed by the opposition were rejected, and the bill was approved by a majority vote amid scenes of protest and disruption.
Acting Speaker Zaheer Iqbal Chanar presided over the meeting, which was frequently interrupted by opposition members who hurled copies of the draft bill into the air and yelled slogans. “The bill has been passed,” the acting speaker said, urging the house to keep the peace. You folks are exhausted now; take a seat.

Members of the opposition strongly objected to the timing of the bill’s passage, calling for a postponement of the assembly proceedings due to the unrest caused by recent TLP violence in parts of Punjab.

Opposition Leader Moin Riaz Qureshi urged the government to defer the agenda, arguing that the law and order situation in the province was not conducive for legislative business. “The agenda should be postponed because the situation in Punjab is bad,” he said.

Despite repeated appeals, the government proceeded with the bill, prompting the opposition to rise from their seats and protest vocally throughout the session.

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The Local Government Bill 2025 introduces major structural changes in Punjab’s local governance system.

Town corporations will be established in areas with populations exceeding 700,000.

Union Councils (UCs) will be empowered to prepare and approve their own budgets.

Union Councils will also have the authority to collect local fines and taxes, giving them greater financial autonomy.

According to the government, the new legislation aims to strengthen grassroots democracy and decentralize power by giving Union Councils administrative and fiscal control over local development and service delivery.

The treasury benches defended the decision to move forward with the legislation, stating that the bill is vital for enhancing governance and public accountability at the local level.

Despite opposition criticism and demands for delay, the Acting Speaker allowed the government to proceed with the agenda and formally passed the bill, marking a key milestone in Punjab’s governance reforms.

With the passage of the Punjab Local Government Bill 2025, the provincial government will now begin the process of establishing new local bodies and administrative divisions. Implementation is expected to take place in phases once the law comes into effect.