ECP to hold local elections in Islamabad

The Election Commission of Pakistan has announced that local body elections will be held in Islamabad, issuing a much-awaited decision on postponing elections in the federal capital. The ECP on Monday delivered its reserved verdict on the issue, ruling that the recent amendments to the Islamabad Local Government Act, 2015 were inconsistent with the Constitution and the law.

In its written order, the ECP said the Secretary of the Local Government Department cannot conduct elections for women and other reserved seats, noting that the appointment of District Returning Officers (DROs), Returning Officers (ROs) and other election officers was within the sole authority of the commission.

The ruling added that the ECP would appoint its election staff from the judicial or administrative departments, as the secretary of the Local Government Department did not meet the criteria of a “public officer” under the law. The ECP also ordered its relevant wing to start preparing the schedule for local body elections in Islamabad.

Last week, the ECP had summoned senior officials to deliberate on the proposed amendments 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 Interior Secretary and the Chief Commissioner, directing them to appear in the next hearing on the Islamabad local government elections. The Election Commission was informed during the meeting that an amendment is required to Section 15 of the Islamabad Local Government Act, 2015 (as amended in 2024).

Officials noted that the commission had written to the Interior Ministry, urging the necessary changes to ensure smooth implementation of the law. ECP confirmed that it last received correspondence from the Home Office on October 23, 2025.