Balochistan High Court Directs Government to Finalize Local Govt Salaries

QUETTA: The Balochistan High Court (BHC) has ordered the provincial government to address legal, administrative, and financial concerns and finalize the Balochistan Local Councils (Remuneration) Rules within six months. This directive aims to establish salaries and allowances for elected local government representatives.

A two-member bench, consisting of Justice Iqbal Ahmed Kasi and Justice Mian Muhammad Rauf Atta, delivered the judgement following a constitutional petition from the chairman of the Mastung Municipal Committee. The petitioner argued that under Section 35 of the Balochistan Local Government Act, 2010, local chairmen and vice-chairmen are entitled to remuneration, yet they have not received any salaries or allowances despite fulfilling their responsibilities.

This ruling highlights the ongoing challenges faced by local government officials in Balochistan, emphasizing the need for timely remuneration to ensure effective governance at the grassroots level. The court’s decision underscores the importance of financial support for local representatives, which is crucial for maintaining public trust and operational efficiency.

The BHC has instructed the Local Government Department to collaborate with the Law and Parliamentary Affairs and Finance Departments to resolve all objections and develop legally sound and financially feasible rules. The finalized proposal is to be submitted to the provincial cabinet for approval, marking a significant step towards ensuring fair compensation for local government officials.