The referendum will be held from January 15 to January 18, 2026.
Lahore,(UMAR HAYAT CH)Jamaat-e-Islami Lahore has completed all preparations to hold a public referendum against the Local Government Act 2025 in the provincial capital to obtain direct public opinion on the local government system. The referendum will be held from January 15 to January 18, 2026, following the official announcement of the dates. Addressing a meeting of party officials regarding the referendum preparations, Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami Lahore, Zia-ud-Din Ansari Advocate, stated that the preparation of ballot boxes has been completed and a large number of ballot boxes are ready for use. He added that three-member committees have been constituted to ensure effective, organized, and transparent management of the polling process.Zia-ud-Din Ansari Advocate said that through this public referendum, direct public opinion on the local government system will be obtained, and citizens will be formally involved in the process of amending the Local Government Act. He emphasized that Jamaat-e-Islami will use public pressure to compel the Punjab government to abolish provisions of the Act that are against public interest.He further announced that polling stations and camps will be set up at major intersections and public squares across Lahore during the referendum period. Special arrangements will be made to maintain law and order and ensure discipline at all polling locations. To encourage maximum participation, special and secure arrangements will be made for women, enabling them to cast their votes freely and without fear.Zia-ud-Din Ansari Advocate reiterated that the Punjab government would not be allowed any escape from amending the Local Government Act, and that the public mandate obtained through the referendum would be made decisive.He stated that Jamaat-e-Islami believes a strong and empowered local government system is essential for resolving public issues and strengthening democracy, and that this public referendum is a practical manifestation of that struggle.
