The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has issued the official schedule for local government elections in Islamabad, with polling set to take place on December 20.
According to the announced schedule, voting will be held from 8am to 4pm without any break.
Following the issuance of the election schedule, a ban has also been imposed on transfers and postings in Islamabad, along with restrictions on public speeches, as part of the election process.
The ECP said nomination papers will be received from November 2 to 6, while their scrutiny will take place from November 9 to 13.
Candidates wishing to challenge decisions made by returning officers will be able to file appeals from November 14 to 18.
The local government elections will allow residents of Islamabad to elect their local representatives. Candidates are advised to follow the official schedule and complete all nomination-related requirements within the stipulated deadlines.
Earlier, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) decided to expedite local government elections in Punjab and cantonment areas, directing officials to prepare election schedules and submit draft programmes for immediate approval.
According to the ECP, the commission has ordered the immediate preparation of the local government election schedule for Punjab after expressing dissatisfaction with the provincial government’s response regarding the delay.
The Punjab government wants to hold the elections in 2027, citing December fog, cold weather and the holy month of Ramadan as reasons for postponement, the ECP said.
The commission noted that the provincial government intends to conduct the elections in April 2027, despite an earlier understanding to hold them between December 15 and January 15.
The ECP also said the Punjab government had not yet provided lists of the relevant officers required to conduct the elections.
The commission has directed the provincial government to submit lists of District Returning Officers (DROs), Returning Officers (ROs) and Assistant Returning Officers (AROs) within one week.
Separately, the ECP has decided to expedite local government elections in cantonment areas and ordered that the election programme be submitted for immediate approval.
The commission said it had written several letters to the Ministry of Defence regarding elections in cantonment areas and had also sent a letter to the prime minister, but had received no response.
