QUETTA | ANN | The Balochistan High Court (BHC) has directed the provincial government to finalize proposed remuneration rules for elected local government representatives and submit them to the competent authority or provincial cabinet for approval within six months of receiving the judgment.
Court directs govt to finalize remuneration rules and seek approval; rejects automatic entitlement to back pay or civil service grades
A two-member bench comprising Justice Iqbal Ahmed Kasi and Justice Mian Muhammad Rauf Atta issued the directions while disposing of a constitutional petition filed by the elected chairman of Municipal Committee Mastung. Justice Atta authored the judgment.
The court ordered the Local Government Department to address objections raised by the Law and Finance Departments and complete all necessary legal, administrative and financial procedures.
BHC Orders Local Representatives’ Pay Proposal Within Six Months
The petitioner had sought payment of remuneration from July 12, 2023, and determination of the service status of elected chairmen and vice chairmen under Section 35 of the Balochistan Local Government Act, 2010.
During the hearing, the government informed the court that the proposed remuneration package could cost approximately Rs1.8 billion annually and required proper rules, budgetary provisions and financial approval.
The court ruled that elected representatives could receive remuneration only as prescribed under duly framed rules. It clarified that no automatic right to a specific payment, retrospective benefits or civil service grades existed without the necessary legal framework.
Referring to Article 140-A of the Constitution, the bench observed that local governments were an essential part of democratic governance and required adequate institutional and financial support to perform their responsibilities effectively. The court directed the relevant departments to prepare a legally sound and financially viable proposal, taking into account the responsibilities of elected local representatives.
It also noted that Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti’s February 27, 2025, announcement regarding remuneration and related facilities required timely consideration by the concerned authorities. The petition was disposed of with directions to complete the required process within the stipulated six-month period.
