Pakistan, Oct. 14 -- The Punjab Local Government Bill has triggered intense protests after being swiftly passed in the Punjab Assembly. Despite loud opposition, the government pushed the bill through, ignoring demands to delay proceedings due to ongoing protests in the province. The move came after the Election Commission of Pakistan announced local elections in December under the existing 2022 act.

Opposition members, led by Moeen Qureshi, strongly objected to the new Punjab Local Government Bill. They said it violated the Constitution's Article 140, which requires provinces to transfer power to elected local representatives. The opposition submitted 37 amendments, accusing the government of centralizing power instead of devolving it. ...