The Pakistan Awami Party (PAT) has approached the Lahore High Court (LHC) against Punjab Local Government (Amended) Ordinance 2016 that changed method of electing mayors/ deputy mayors from "secret ballot" to "show of hand" besides other changes in the law. PAT's secretary information Noorullah Siddiqi contended in his petition saying the amended ordinance has overhauled the process of election of chairman or mayor to the selection. The petitioner pleads that independent candidates have been subjected to legislative coercion and undue influence by ruling party.