IHC Questions Federal Government Over Delayed Islamabad Local Body Elections

The Islamabad High Court has taken a firm step regarding the local body elections in the federal capital. On Wednesday, the court asked for a formal response from the federal government and the Election Commission of Pakistan. This move comes after a petition was filed to challenge the delay of these important polls. People in the city are waiting to see when they can finally vote for their local leaders.

Key Highlights

• The IHC issued notices to the ECP and the federal government about the election delay.
• Petitions were filed by the Markazi Muslim League and Jamaat-e-Islami to challenge a presidential ordinance.
• This is the fourth time that the local government elections in Islamabad have been put off.
• The city has been without an elected mayor since early 2021, causing concerns about local governance.
• The court has set the next hearing date for January 27 to review the government’s response.

The High Court Reviews the Election Petition

Justice Muhammad Azam Khan led the hearing in the Islamabad High Court. He listened to the concerns raised by the Markazi Muslim League. The court decided to group this case with a similar one filed by Jamaat-e-Islami. Both groups want the same thing. They want the court to stop the delay and ensure that local body elections happen soon. The court wants the government to explain why a presidential ordinance was used to change the rules at the last minute.

During the court session, the lawyer for the petitioner, Ashfaq Ahmed Kharl, presented strong arguments. He said that the Election Commission of Pakistan must make these polls its main goal. He pointed out that the election schedule was already out. Candidates had already submitted their nomination papers. All the legal steps were complete. However, the federal government still moved to stop the process. This has left many citizens and political workers frustrated.

The Problem with the Presidential Ordinance

The main issue in court is the presidential ordinance. The petitioners believe this law is being used to stop the democratic process. Usually, elections should follow a clear path. When an ordinance changes the rules suddenly, it can create confusion. The lawyer asked the IHC to declare this ordinance null and void. He believes that the court should order the ECP to hold the Islamabad local government elections without any more excuses.

A History of Repeated Delays in Islamabad

The delay in Islamabad elections is not a new problem. This is actually the fourth time the polls have been pushed back. The last local government term ended in February 2021. Since then, the city has not had an elected mayor. This is a long time for a capital city to go without local representatives. People in the city need leaders to fix their local issues like water, roads, and trash collection. Without a mayor, these tasks become much harder to manage.

Since 1967, Islamabad has only seen two elected mayors. These leaders served between 2015 and 2021. For the rest of the time, the city was run by officials who were not elected by the people. This lack of local representation is a major concern for human rights and democratic values. The current petition argues that the people of Islamabad deserve the right to choose their own local government through fair elections.

What Was the Original Election Schedule?

The ECP had previously shared a plan for the 2025 and 2026 elections. They announced that the voting would happen on February 15, 2026. Candidates were supposed to file their papers in December 2025. The commission even planned to give out election symbols in January. This detailed plan gave people hope that the local polls would finally happen. But the new presidential ordinance changed everything. Now, the whole process is stuck in a legal battle.

Why Local Elections Matter for the Capital

Local government is the backbone of a democracy. It allows people to solve problems in their own neighborhoods. When there is no elected council, the federal government has to handle every small detail. This is not efficient. Islamabad is a growing city with many needs. An elected mayor and local council can make decisions that help the residents directly. The IHC is now the last hope for many who want to see democratic power returned to the people.

The federal government and the ECP must now prepare their answers. They have until January 27 to explain their side to the court. The Islamabad High Court will then decide if the presidential ordinance is valid. If the court rules in favor of the petitioners, the election process could start again very soon. Everyone is watching this case closely. It will decide the future of local governance in the heart of Pakistan.

In the end, the IHC wants to ensure that constitutional requirements are met. The ECP is responsible for holding free and fair elections on time. Any delay can hurt the trust of the voters. By seeking a response from the government, the court is making sure that accountability is maintained. The citizens of Islamabad are hopeful that this legal action will lead to a permanent solution for the local body elections.