The Election Commission of Pakistan has rejected the Punjab government’s request to delay local government elections to April 2027. The commission directed its officials to prepare the election schedule at once. The decision was announced after a meeting in Islamabad on October 15.
The meeting was chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja. Members Nisar Durrani, Babar Hassan Bharwana and retired Justice Ikramullah Khan attended. Senior officials of the commission were also present. The commission said holding timely local polls was its constitutional duty.
Punjab’s request turned down
The Punjab government had asked for more time. It cited cold weather and fog in December and the holy month of Ramazan in February. It proposed holding the polls in April 2027.
The commission called the response unsatisfactory. It noted that Punjab had already agreed to a polling window between December 15, 2026, and January 15, 2027. The province was given one week to submit lists of district returning officers, returning officers and assistant returning officers. Officials said the lists were needed to start staff training.
Cantonment polls move ahead
The commission also decided to move ahead with elections in cantonment areas. It said delimitation work in all cantonments was complete. The Ministry of Defence and the prime minister’s office had been contacted, but no response was received.
Officials said a final letter would be sent to the defence ministry. If no satisfactory reply comes, the commission will take a decision on its own. The ECP said it was ready to hold the polls as soon as the formal request arrives.
Comments (0)
Be respectful — comments are moderated.