On November 06, 2025, Women in Struggle for Empowerment (WISE) and the Sangat Development Foundation jointly organized a civil society stakeholders consultation in Lahore to deliberate on the recently enacted Punjab Local Government Act (PLGA) 2025 and to develop a collective roadmap for civil society engagement in its implementation and reform process.

The meeting was attended by key civil society representatives, including Zahid Islam, Executive Director, Sangat Development Foundation; Bilal Ahmad Sufi, PILDAT; Muhammad Tahseen, Executive Director, SAP-PK; Bushra Khaliq, Executive Director, WISE; Dr. Ashraf Nizami, Punjab Medical Association; along with more than 30 civil society members from various districts. Participants discussed the implications of the new law, identified areas for improvement, and finalized recommendations for future civic action.

Civil society organizations pledged to educate, train, and guide potential candidates in developing manifestos and understanding the new legal provisions, ensuring that reserved and special seats are not left vacant and that disadvantaged groups can actively participate in the democratic process.