The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has reserved its verdict on a petition seeking early local government elections in the federal capital.
Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, presiding over the case, noted that the local government system remains paralyzed. He said repeated violations of legal provisions have stalled governance and hindered property tax collection.
The judge criticized authorities for failing to hold elections despite previous court orders. He expressed concern over a division bench that suspended elections after initially approving a date.
Government and ECP Responses
The Assistant Attorney General informed the IHC that the law has been continuously violated since 2021. He attributed the delays to pending amendments in the Local Government Act 2025.
Election Commission DG Law Arshad Khan explained that complications in these amendments contributed to the postponement of elections. Justice Kayani pressed the commission to provide a concrete election schedule. He stated that the court is ready to set a date once the schedule is submitted.
The IHC emphasized the importance of restoring local governance in Islamabad. The court highlighted that delays in elections prevent proper administration and affect essential services for residents.
After hearing all arguments, the IHC reserved its decision. Stakeholders, political parties, and citizens are now awaiting the verdict, which is expected to determine the timeline for holding local government elections in the capital.
Legal experts say the IHC’s decision could set a precedent for ensuring timely local elections in other regions. The ruling is considered crucial for strengthening democratic governance and maintaining public trust in local institutions.
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The Islamabad High Court has repeatedly urged authorities to follow legal procedures and ensure the smooth functioning of local governance. Its upcoming verdict will be closely watched by the public and policymakers alike.
