The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has decided to challenge the Punjab Local Government Bill 2025 in the Lahore High Court, with opposition lawmakers set to file a petition on Monday.

According to PTI MPA Ejaz Shafi, the opposition will submit the petition in the Lahore High Court on Monday.

A formal representation has been filed by Sheikh Imtiaz Mahmood, Ejaz Shafi, Munir Ahmed, and Mian Shabbir Ismail, which has also been sent to the President, Prime Minister, Governor of Punjab, Chief Minister of Punjab, and other senior officials.

Ejaz Shafi said that detailed objections, prepared with the assistance of legal experts, have been forwarded to the government.

He added that several clauses of the Punjab Local Government Bill contradict articles 17, 32, and 140-A of the Constitution.

He expressed reservations over the non-party, one-vote multi-member Union Council model, saying that it weakens the role of political parties and undermines the autonomy of local bodies.

According to the text of the objections, granting administrative officers control in place of elected local representatives violates the principle of devolution of power.

It further stated that centralising financial powers would weaken local government autonomy, while the provision allowing indefinite appointments of administrators was also deemed unconstitutional.

PTI leaders have demanded the restoration of direct elections for Union Council chairpersons, a constitutionally fixed five-year tenure for local governments, and the issuance of a clear election schedule.

They also called for strict limits on executive interference and the powers of administrators.

Ejaz Shafi said that a formal declaration and stay order request will be filed in the Lahore High Court on Monday, seeking suspension of the controversial provisions and protection of local democracy.