ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Thursday reserved its verdict on a petition challenging the repeated postponement of local government elections in Islamabad.
A five-member bench, led by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, heard the case, with Additional Secretary Interior Nazar Muhammad and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa appearing before the court.
During proceedings, the Special Secretary of the ECP explained that the elections were postponed due to the federal government’s decision to increase the number of union councils in the capital. He said demarcation work had now been completed and the election schedule re-announced, ensuring all arrangements were in place.
The CEC emphasized that a date for the polls would soon be announced. “Elections have already been conducted in three provinces, while Punjab is preparing for its polls. Our decision will be binding on all,” he stated.
Criticizing the repeated delays, Raja described the postponements as “a joke,” adding that the commission had so far exercised restraint and had not summoned any official in person. He reiterated that the Secretary Interior had been instructed to take the matter seriously.
The decision comes amid growing public concern over the delay in Islamabad’s local governance elections, with political parties urging the ECP to finalise a date to ensure timely democratic representation.
