Islamabad: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has announced its decision to conduct local government elections in Islamabad, ending months of uncertainty surrounding the delayed polls in the federal capital.
According to details, the ECP issued its reserved verdict, declaring that the recent amendments made to the Islamabad Local Government Act 2015 were inconsistent with both the Constitution and the law.
In its ruling, the Commission stated that elections— including the allocation of reserved seats for women and other categories — cannot be conducted by the Secretary of Local Government. The authority to appoint District Returning Officers (DROs), Returning Officers (ROs), and other polling personnel rests solely with the Election Commission.
The decision further notes that the ECP will appoint election staff from the judiciary or relevant administrative departments as required, clarifying that the Secretary of Local Government does not fall within the legal definition of a government officer authorized to conduct such polls.
The Commission has also directed the concerned wing to prepare and issue the schedule for the upcoming local government elections in Islamabad.
