The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Wednesday announced its decision in the Punjab local government elections case, expressing strong displeasure over the three-year delay in conducting local polls and directing that the election schedule be issued in the last week of December 2025.
According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, in its written verdict, the ECP ruled that the local government elections in Punjab will be held under the existing law and that the process of fresh delimitation must begin immediately and be completed within two months.
The Commission observed that the Punjab government repeatedly sought extensions under the pretext of new legislation but failed to deliver, terming its conduct “delaying and unconstitutional”.
The verdict stated that the Punjab government had requested three months for legislation, but even after the grace period expired, no progress or response was made. The ECP added that the term of local bodies had expired in December 2021, yet no elections have been conducted even after three years, which constitutes a serious violation of constitutional obligations.
Citing Supreme Court judgements, the Commission reaffirmed that local government elections cannot be delayed and reminded the Punjab administration that Article 220 of the Constitution obliges provincial governments to assist the Election Commission in carrying out its duties. The ECP warned that any violation of constitutional provisions will not be tolerated.
Earlier in the day, the ECP had reserved its verdict after a hearing led by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, during which the Punjab Secretary for Local Government appeared before the five-member bench.
The CEC remarked that the delay in local polls in both Punjab and Islamabad was an “embarrassment” for the Commission, as public criticism was unfairly being directed at it despite its consistent efforts to ensure timely elections.
In May 2025, the ECP had already expressed anger over the continued delays, summoning senior Punjab officials to explain the reasons for non-compliance. The Commission had aimed to conduct the elections earlier in 2025 but was hindered by the provincial government’s failure to pass the new Local Government Act.
Reporter: Usman Khan