Pakistan, June 18 -- LAHORE - The Punjab government has officially allocated Rs5 billion in its 2025-26 budget to conduct long-awaited local body elections, aiming to restore grassroots democracy across the province.

According to official sources, the allocated funds will cover all necessary arrangements for the electoral process, which is expected to take place during the upcoming fiscal year. This move reflects the government's intent to revive local governance structures after a significant delay.

Punjab's Minister for Local Government, Zeeshan Rafiq, confirmed that legislation related to local bodies will be finalized by July. He emphasized that the government is determined to proceed quickly and ensure fair and transparent election...