The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Saturday recommended an amendment to clause III of Article 140-A of the Constitution, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
Under the proposed amendment, the changes in the Local Government Act will only be possible one year before the end of the term.
The new amendment also proposed the addition of Section 140-A of the Constitution, and it would be made mandatory to hold elections within 120 days after the end of the local governments term.
It suggests no amendment will be made to scheduled elections after the end of the term.
On Friday, the Punjab Assembly had forwarded to the federal government a resolution, passed by the provincial legislature, proposing an amendment to Article 140-A of the Constitution to provide constitutional protection to local governments.
The resolution not only suggests amending Article 140-A but also includes a binding provision for holding local government elections within 90 days of the dissolution of councils.
The resolution was unanimously adopted by the Punjab Assembly and was jointly presented by MPAs Ahmad Iqbal and Ali Haider Gilani.
The text of the resolution recommends inserting a new constitutional chapter dedicated to local governments, clearly defining their tenure, responsibilities, and structure.
It further proposes that elected representatives must convene their first session within 21 days of taking office.
The resolution also highlights that, following the 18th Constitutional Amendment, elected local bodies in Punjab functioned for only two years.
It emphasises that the establishment of empowered and well-resourced local governments is essential for effective governance and democracy.
Copies of the resolution have been sent to the Secretaries of the National Assembly and the Senate.
Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan said that local governments must be granted constitutional protection.
He noted that the proposed 27th Amendment pertains to local bodies and urged Parliament to take it up immediately.
He criticised past governments for abolishing local government laws and stressed that every ruling party, regardless of affiliation, must safeguard local governance institutions. “Article 140-A clearly states that provincial governments are bound to establish local governments,” the Speaker said.
