PTI seeks extension in Islamabad LG polls nomination deadline

Islamabad's Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chapter has requested the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to extend the nomination deadline for upcoming local government elections by ten days at minimum. Amir Mughal, president of PTI's Islamabad chapter and core committee member, expressed concern over candidates struggling to obtain nomination papers on Friday, despite the ECP's election schedule.

He stated that no staff were present at the returning officers' offices and that watchmen at some schools and offices had informed candidates that nomination papers would be available on Monday. Mughal demanded an immediate extension, emphasizing the need for candidates to have sufficient time to obtain, complete, and submit the forms.

He questioned the integrity of the local elections, alleging that the government and ECP were attempting to delay or avoid the polls for the fifth time. PTI leaders criticized the legal framework governing the elections, suggesting that elected local representatives would have limited authority while significant powers would remain with the bureaucracy.

Mughal also alleged that the same ECP leadership overseeing the local elections had conducted the 2024 general elections, which he claimed were rigged. PTI has decided to contest the elections after consultations with various party organizations, holding over 25 meetings in just three days. Mughal claimed that PTI would focus on addressing grievances of residents facing displacement from their ancestral land and homes, as well as people living in informal settlements.

PTI has traditionally been a strong force in Islamabad, and Mughal expressed confidence in the party's performance in the local elections.