ECP holds local polls in Islamabad

The Election Commission of Pakistan announced that local government elections will be held in Islamabad, issuing a long-awaited decision on the delayed polls in the federal capital. The ECP released its reserved judgment in the case on Monday, ruling that the recent amendments to the Islamabad Local Government Act 2015 were against the constitution and the law.

In its written order, the ECP said the secretary of the local government department could not conduct elections for women and other reserved seats, noting that appointment of district returning officers (DROs), returning officers (ROs) and other poll officials was the sole authority of the commission.

The ruling added that the ECP would appoint its election staff from the judiciary or the administrative services as the secretary of the local government ministry did not meet the criteria of a “public servant” under the law. The ECP also directed its relevant wing to start preparing the schedule for local government elections in Islamabad.

Last week, the ECP had summoned senior officials to discuss proposed changes in consultation with the Interior Ministry and Islamabad Administration under Section 219(3) of the Election Act.

The meeting, chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, issued notices to the Home Minister and Chief Commissioner directing them to appear for the upcoming hearing on Islamabad’s local government elections. The Election Commission was informed during the meeting that an amendment is required in Section 15 of the Islamabad Local Government Act, 2015 (as amended in 2024).

Officials noted that the commission has written to the Ministry of Interior calling for the necessary changes to ensure smooth implementation of the law. The ECP confirmed that it last received correspondence from the Ministry of Home Affairs on 23 October 2025.