QUETTA: The Balochistan High Court (BHC) has directed the provincial government to resolve legal, administrative and financial objections and finalise the proposed Balochistan Local Councils (Remuneration) Rules within six months to determine salaries and allowances of elected local government representatives.
A two-member bench comprising Justice Iqbal Ahmed Kasi and Justice Mian Muhammad Rauf Atta, who authored the judgement, heard a constitutional petition filed by the elected chairman of Mastung Municipal Committee.
The petitioner argued that Section 35 of the Balochistan Local Government Act, 2010,entitled chairmen and vice-chairmen to remuneration, but they had received no salaries or allowances despite performing their duties.
He sought payments from July 12, 2023, and determination of their service status or grade.
In its judgement, the BHC directed the Local Government Department to jointly resolve all objections with the Law and Parliamentary Affairs and Finance Departments, finalise legally sustainable and financially viable rules, and submit the proposal to the competent authority or provincial cabinet.
The court also directed authorities to consider appropriate remuneration for elected representatives in view of their statutory responsibilities.