ECP summons interior minister over delay in Islamabad local government polls

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has summoned Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to address the ongoing delay in holding local government elections in Islamabad. The summons were issued on Thursday, according to a press release from the ECP.

The term of the previous local government in Islamabad expired in February 2021. Since then, elections have not been conducted, with the process facing repeated delays for various reasons. As a result, approximately 2.5 million residents of the federal capital continue to experience unresolved issues, including water shortages and unpaved streets.

A five-member ECP bench, led by Chief Election Commissioner Sikander Sultan Raja, convened to review the matter of delayed local government elections in both Punjab and Islamabad. During the hearing, it was revealed that the ECP had sent three letters to the secretary of the interior ministry. These letters requested information regarding the demarcation of the town corporation, the number of union councils in each town corporation, the provision of maps for the town corporations, and the necessary amendments required for the process.

The ECP emphasized the importance of timely local government elections to ensure effective governance and address the civic issues faced by Islamabad's residents. The commission's press release highlighted the need for cooperation from the interior ministry to move the electoral process forward.

Sources indicate that the ECP is seeking a clear response and necessary documentation from the interior ministry to facilitate the organization of the polls. The matter remains under consideration as the ECP awaits further action from the relevant authorities.