The Election Commission of Pakistan has ordered that local government elections in the federal capital be held under the Local Government Act of 2015. The Commission has directed that the election schedule in this regard be issued today. A five-member commission, headed by the Chief Election Commissioner, conducted the hearing the case regarding the delay in Islamabad local government elections. The Interior Secretary and officials from the Election Commission appeared.

Election Commission’s Special Secretary, Zafar Iqbal Malik briefed that delimitation of constituencies has been carried out six times and election schedules have been issued four times.  Special Secretary stated that the latest schedule was set for October 9, 2026, with polling originally planned for February 2026.  The government issued an ordinance while data and maps have been obtained, the Special Secretary said.Delimitation processes were underway, but the ordinance expired on September 6, the Special Secretary stated.

He added that final delimitation of constituencies was published on October 14. The Special Secretary added that two reminder letters were sent to the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Interior was informed about the lapse of the ordinance.  The Special Secretary said rules for the Islamabad local government have not yet been provided and the Ministry of Law refused to vet the rules. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)