ECP speeds up preparations for local govt polls in Islamabad, Punjab, KP

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has accelerated preparations for local government elections in Islamabad, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, issuing the schedule for constituency delimitation and outlining the next steps in the electoral process.

According to an ECP statement on Friday, delimitation for the Islamabad Capital Territory will formally begin on August 1 and is scheduled to be completed by October 13, 2026, paving the way for local government elections in the federal capital.

In Punjab, the ECP said the final delimitation lists will be published on August 17, 2026, after objections are heard.

The commission will then consult the provincial government to determine the date for the local government elections.

For Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the ECP said delimitation has already been completed in 23 districts.

However, the provincial government has amended the Local Government Act, increasing the population threshold for local councils from 30,000 to 40,000.

It has also sought a three-week extension from the ECP to make further amendments to Schedule 9 of the law.

The ECP said it has completed the necessary preparations for holding local government elections in all three jurisdictions and remains ready to conduct the polls.

The ECP reiterated that under Article 140-A of the Constitution and Section 219 of the Elections Act, it is constitutionally bound to hold local government elections within 120 days.