Pakistan’s Election Commission (ECP) has decided to proceed with local government elections in Punjab and the country’s cantonment areas. It has directed the relevant departments to take immediate steps to prepare and issue election schedules.
The commission rejected the Punjab government’s proposal to hold local elections in April 2027, calling its response unsatisfactory. It also ordered officials to submit a draft election programme for approval.
ECP Rejects Punjab Government’s Proposal
Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja chaired the meeting. ECP members Nisar Durrani, Babar Hassan Bharwana and Justice (retired) Ikramullah Khan attended, along with the commission’s secretary and senior officials.
According to the ECP, the Punjab government submitted its response on October 14. The provincial government argued that fog and cold weather in December, followed by Ramadan in February, would affect the election process. It therefore proposed holding the elections in three phases in April 2027.
However, the commission found these reasons unsatisfactory and decided to move forward with the polls.
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Earlier Agreement on Election Dates
The ECP said consultations with the Punjab government under Section 219 of the Elections Act concluded on August 20.
During those discussions, the provincial government agreed to hold local elections between December 15, 2026, and January 15, 2027. However, it has since sought changes to the previously proposed dates.
The commission has now directed the relevant wing to submit a draft election programme for approval without delay. This step will help advance the process of issuing the official schedule.
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Punjab Asked to Submit Election Officials’ Lists
The commission also expressed disappointment over the Punjab government’s failure to provide lists of election officials.
The ECP had requested the names of district returning officers, returning officers and assistant returning officers. However, the provincial government had not submitted the required lists, according to the commission.
As a result, the ECP directed the Punjab government to provide the lists within one week.
ECP Also Moves Ahead With Cantonment Elections
The commission has also decided to proceed with local government elections in cantonment areas.
According to the ECP, consultations took place on April 15 with the additional secretary for defence and the director general of Military Lands. During the meeting, the defence secretary was asked to submit the matter to the federal government through a formal summary.
The commission said the federal government was also asked to submit an application under Section 19-D of the Cantonments Act, 1924.
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The Ministry of Defence received several reminder letters. In addition, the chief election commissioner wrote to the prime minister. However, the commission said it had not received a satisfactory response.
In view of these delays, the ECP directed the relevant wing to take the necessary steps to issue the cantonment election schedule promptly.
The decisions signal the commission’s intention to advance local government elections in both Punjab and cantonment areas, despite unresolved issues with the provincial and federal governments.
