PESHAWAR: Former federal minister and Senator Salim Saifullah Khan has urged the Election Commission of Pakistan to immediately announce and conduct local government elections across the country, stating that an effective local body system is indispensable for democracy, public participation and sustainable development.

He said elected local representatives were the first point of contact for the public and were best placed to identify and resolve local issues, according to a statement issued here on Monday.

“No meaningful development can take place without strong and empowered local governments”, he said.

Referring to international best practices, he said the Mayor of London oversees an annual budget exceeding £30 billion for transport, policing, housing, infrastructure and other public services, demonstrating how empowered local governments accelerate development. Pakistan, too, must strengthen its local governments by devolving adequate authority and financial resources.

Mr Khan expressed concern over the continued delay in holding local government elections across the country. He noted that the tenure of local governments in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa expired in March 2026 (first phase) and June 2026 (second phase), yet fresh elections have not been held, leaving the province without elected grassroots representation.

He emphasised that Article 140-A of the Constitution requires an effective local government system with political, administrative and financial authority devolved to elected representatives, while the Elections Act, 2017 envisages that local government elections should be held within 120 days of the expiry of the local governments’ tenure.

Published in Dawn, July 21st, 2026