Through a series of five community forums held in Lahore, Sheikhupura, and Nankana Sahib, WISE engaged more than 300 participants in dialogue on the importance of elected local governments and women’s participation in grassroots governance.

The forums were organized across three districts, with one event in Sheikhupura (Mustafabad, Shahdara), one in Nankana Sahib, and three in Lahore (Kot Lakhpat, Shalimar Zone, and UC 104 Shera Kot), ensuring broad geographic and community representation.

Participants included an overwhelming number of women alongside local government representatives, Union Council secretaries, officials of Suthra Punjab, members of municipal committees, former councillors, political party representatives, civil society members, youth leaders, social activists, and minority representatives. This diverse participation enabled inclusive and informed discussions on local governance challenges and community priorities.

Across all five forums, common concerns consistently raised by participants included poor municipal and Union Council service delivery, weak accountability mechanisms, and limited citizen participation resulting from the prolonged absence of elected local governments in Punjab. The lack of grassroots representation was widely identified as a key factor undermining effective service delivery and democratic engagement at the community level.

Discussions also focused on the Punjab Local Government Act, 2025, particularly the roles and responsibilities of elected representatives and provisions related to women’s representation. Speakers and participants emphasized the need to restore elected local bodies, strengthen grassroots democracy, and ensure women’s meaningful participation in local decision-making processes.

A unified demand emerged across all five events for the immediate holding of Local Government elections under the Punjab Local Government Act, 2025. Participants strongly underscored that inclusive, elected, and accountable local governments are essential for transparent, people-centered development and for safeguarding citizens’ constitutional rights, especially the political participation of women.