Lahore: Punjab has enacted the Local Government Act 2025, officially replacing the 2022 law after receiving approval from Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan. The new legislation introduces a major restructuring of local governance, abolishing the ward system and empowering Union Councils as the primary administrative units across the province.

Under the 2025 Act, each Union Council will comprise 13 members determined by population size, and direct elections will be held for chairperson and vice-chairperson positions - a shift from the indirect system under the 2022 framework.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has been tasked with conducting new delimitations and framing election rules within four weeks. Notifications issued under the 2022 Act, including earlier delimitations, have been withdrawn.

Officials said the new framework decentralizes administrative powers, giving Union Councils broader authority over service delivery, local planning, and development projects. The Act also confers 'public servant' status on elected representatives and officers under the Pakistan Penal Code to ensure accountability and transparency.

The new law aims to strengthen local democracy, increase citizen participation, and streamline governance at the grassroots level. Local body elections under the new system are expected in December 2025.