The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has scheduled the first phase of local government elections in Punjab for February 7, 2027. The decision was reached during a hearing presided over by a four-member bench led by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja and comprising members Nisar Ahmed Durrani, Shah Muhammad Jatoi, and Babar Hassan Bharwana.
During the hearing, the Punjab chief secretary informed the commission that the provincial government had originally agreed to hold elections between December 15, 2026, and January 15, 2027. However, a Punjab cabinet committee later recommended postponing the polls until April 2027. The committee cited smog, dense fog, adverse weather, the holy month of Ramadan, and the unavailability of schoolteachers as reasons for the delay.
The provincial government subsequently requested the ECP to hold the elections in January or February 2027, stating that weather conditions usually improve in February. The chief secretary specifically requested a date after January 20, 2027, to ensure smooth and transparent conduct, noting that dense fog in areas like Lahore could hinder transportation and movement. He argued that while the government had reconsidered its April preference, shorter winter days and cold weather could discourage voters.
The ECP accepted the request to hold the elections in January or February in the interest of justice to ensure all candidates and voters are provided equal opportunities. The commission noted its constitutional responsibility under Articles 140A and 219(d) to conduct elections in the provinces, Islamabad Capital Territory, and cantonment areas.
Separately, the ECP decided to halt the local government election process in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) districts. This followed a review of a federal government order issued on November 4, which suspends Article 140A of the Constitution. The ECP observed that the scope of this order has been extended to districts beyond those previously specified.
The commission stated that holding elections in the remaining districts of KP is no longer possible due to this order. Consequently, all measures taken for the conduct of those elections have been suspended until further orders.
Regarding Islamabad, the ECP announced on Monday that it is ready to hold local government elections in the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) and has made arrangements to print ballot papers.
The ECP noted that the last local government elections in Punjab were held in 2015. Since the councils' terms ended in December 2021, elections were due by April 2022, but have faced repeated delays due to legislative changes and administrative hurdles.
