Web Desk: Election Commission has withdrawn the schedule for local government elections in the federal capital, citing recent legal changes introduced by the government. According to a notification issued by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), the government promulgated the Islamabad Local Government (Amendment) Ordinance on Jan. 10, revising the structure of the local government system in the city. As a result, the changes have altered both the framework and the mode of local government elections, prompting the ECP to roll back the previously announced election program.
The notification said the ordinance not only restructured local governments in Islamabad but also modified the election mechanism. Consequently, the commission decided to withdraw the local government election schedule for the capital.Earlier, the ECP had announced that local government elections in Islamabad would be held on Feb. 15.
Meanwhile, the decision adds to ongoing uncertainty surrounding local government polls in the capital. The federal cabinet has previously approved delays to the Islamabad local elections, raising concerns among political parties and civic groups over prolonged administrative gaps at the local level. Going forward, the Election Commission is expected to review the revised legal framework before announcing a new election schedule for Islamabad.
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