JI’s four-day referendum on Punjab local govt law begins today

Published January 15, 2026
A file photo of Jamaat-i-Islami leader Hafiz Naeem Rehman. — Photo via X
A file photo of Jamaat-i-Islami leader Hafiz Naeem Rehman. — Photo via X

ISLAMABAD: Jamaat-i-Islami Pakistan will launch a four-day public referendum beginning on Thursday (today) to gauge public opinion on the Punjab Local Government Act, JI emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman announced.

Speaking at the press conference on Wednesday, JI chief said that an independent and transparent referendum process had been arranged under the supervision of autonomo­us referendum commissions at central and district levels.

He said that millions of people would participate after which a schedule for surrounding the Punjab Assembly would be announced in the light of public opinion.

Mr Rehman said the referendum would continue for four days, with camps set up at intersections, markets, educational institutions and other public pla­ces. He not­ed that the pri­nting of ballot papers was complete and all arrangements were finalised to ensure transparency.

Published in Dawn, January 15th, 2026

Opinion

Editorial

Water win
19 May, 2026

Water win

Besides being a technical and legal win, the ruling validates Pakistan’s argument about the existential stakes involved for it.
Free ride
19 May, 2026

Free ride

THE federal and provincial governments have extended what appear to be major concessions to the retail sector ahead...
Ceasefire in name
19 May, 2026

Ceasefire in name

THE ink on the latest ceasefire extension between Israel and Lebanon was barely dry when Israeli warplanes were back...
The Afghan problem
Updated 18 May, 2026

The Afghan problem

It is to its own peril that the Afghan side seems to be mistaking Islamabad’s restraint for lack of resolve.
Unwillingness to tax
18 May, 2026

Unwillingness to tax

THE latest IMF staff report reveals the scale of Pakistan’s fiscal dilemma. The approval of fresh disbursements...
Unkind cyberspace
18 May, 2026

Unkind cyberspace

WHEN abuse occurs face to face, the boundaries are clear. Yet, the same behaviour online is treated less seriously....