Islamabad Local Elections Postponed After Legal Changes
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has postponed local government elections in Islamabad. It officially withdrew the previously announced election schedule. This decision directly follows a significant last-minute change in the local government law.
The government introduced a new ordinance on January 10. This ordinance altered the capital’s local government structure. Consequently, the election method also changed, forcing the ECP to halt the entire process.
Legal Changes Disrupt the Timeline
The commission had scheduled the elections for February 15. However, the president promulgated the amendment ordinance on February 10. This timing disrupted the electoral process just days before the planned vote.
Meanwhile, the Islamabad High Court is now hearing a legal challenge against this ordinance. Justice Muhammad Azam Khan issued notices to the federal government and the ECP. He directed both institutions to submit their formal replies.
Court Challenge Adds Complexity
The Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) party filed the petition against these legal changes. The party’s counsel argued the ordinance unfairly disrupted the election after authorities had set the schedule. Therefore, the future timeline for these local elections remains completely uncertain.
The court must now review the government’s justification for its actions. This legal proceeding will determine the next steps for Islamabad’s democratic process. All parties await the court’s decisive ruling on the matter.
