Islamabad: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) held an important meeting under the chairmanship of Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja to review the status of the long-delayed Islamabad local government elections.

The meeting was attended by the members of the Election Commission, the Secretary ECP, and other senior officers.

During the briefing, it was informed that an amendment to Section 15 of the Islamabad Local Government Act, 2015 (as amended in 2024) is required to proceed with the elections. The Commission has repeatedly informed the Ministry of Interior about the necessary amendment through official correspondence.

The Ministry of Interior’s latest communication, received on October 23, 2025, stated that the proposed amendment bill was presented before the National Assembly’s Standing Committee in its meeting on October 21, 2025. However, the committee deferred further consideration of the bill.

The ECP noted that the term of Islamabad’s local governments expired on February 14, 2021, and elections have remained pending since then. The Commission expressed concern that any further correspondence or delays in the legislative process could lead to additional postponements.

The case regarding the conduct of Islamabad local government elections has been fixed for hearing before the Election Commission on November 13, 2025.

During the hearing, consultations will be held with the Ministry of Interior and the Islamabad administration under Section 219(3) of the Elections Act concerning the proposed amendments and arrangements for holding the elections.

The Commission also decided to issue notices to the Secretary of the Interior and the Chief Commissioner of Islamabad to ensure their presence during the proceedings.