ECP 'ready' for LG polls in Punjab but cites legal and administrative hurdles in KP, Islamabad

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is prepared to conduct local government elections in Punjab, having sent a draft election schedule to the provincial government, and has requested lists for appointment of district returning officers, returning officers, and assistant returning officers to enable the process in Sindh. However, challenges persist in Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Quetta, and cantonment areas.

In Islamabad, while delimitation has been completed, the Islamabad Capital Territory Amendment Ordinance 2026 has lapsed, requiring the ECP to seek legislation completion from the federal government. If legislation is not enacted, the ECP will hold elections under the existing Islamabad Capital Territory Local Government Act 2015.

In cantonments, delimitation is complete, but a formal request to the ECP is required under Section 19-D of the amended Cantonments Act, which has not been received. In KP, delimitation is 23 districts ahead, but the threshold for village and neighborhood councils raised to 30,000-40,000 from 5,000-15,000, making delimitation unworkable.

The provincial government's failure to assist and amend the number of councils accordingly has placed the case under the ECP's scrutiny, awaiting an appropriate decision. In Balochistan, despite delimitation being completed on May 21, 2026, as per the Federal Constitutional Court's order, the provincial government's response has been "really slow."

The ECP has decided to write to the provincial government for timely completion of legislation and compliance with the court order.