Pakistan, Aug. 7 -- The Punjab government has approved Rs12.52 billion to hold long-delayed local government elections. The decision could restore grassroots democracy after an 11-year gap. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz chaired the 36th provincial cabinet meeting. The cabinet approved the election budget during the session. The allocation signals the government's commitment to conducting local body elections. Officials now expect the electoral process to move forward.

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Punjab last held local government elections in 2015. The polls took place in phases between October and December that year. Elected councils officially assumed office in 2017. Indirect elections later selected mayors a...