Islamabad: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has rejected the Punjab government's proposal to postpone local government elections until April 2027, directing officials to submit draft election schedules for Punjab and cantonment areas for approval.

The decision was taken during a meeting chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja on Thursday. ECP members Nisar Ahmed Durrani, Babar Hassan Bharwana and Justice (retired) Ikramullah Khan attended the meeting alongside the commission's secretary and other officials.

During the meeting, officials informed the commission that the Punjab government had responded on October 14 to an ECP letter issued on October 2, proposing that local government elections be conducted in three phases in April 2027.

The provincial government cited fog and winter conditions in December, followed by the beginning of Ramazan in February, as reasons for revising the election schedule.

However, the commission rejected the explanation, noting that consultations with the provincial government under Section 219(3) of the Elections Act had already concluded on August 20.

During those consultations, the Punjab government had agreed to conduct local government elections between December 15, 2026, and January 15, 2027.

The ECP expressed concern over the provincial government's attempt to change the agreed timeline and maintained that conducting elections remained its constitutional and legal responsibility.

Following the discussion, the commission directed its office to submit the draft election programme for Punjab without delay.

Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja also expressed dissatisfaction over the Punjab government's failure to provide lists of officers required for election administration.

These include district returning officers, returning officers and assistant returning officers responsible for overseeing electoral arrangements.

The commission instructed the provincial government to submit the lists within seven days to facilitate preparations.

The meeting also reviewed delays in holding local government elections in cantonment areas.

Officials informed the commission that consultations had taken place on April 15 with representatives of the Ministry of Defence and the Military Lands and Cantonments Department.

During those discussions, the ECP had requested that the Ministry of Defence forward a summary to the federal government, enabling it to formally request the commission to conduct cantonment elections under Section 19(D) of the Cantonments Act, 1924.

Despite several reminders, the commission had not received the required request from the ministry.

Raja informed the meeting that he had also written to the prime minister regarding the matter and was awaiting a response.

In view of the delay, the ECP decided to proceed with preparations for cantonment elections and instructed its office to submit a draft election programme for approval.

The commission maintained that it would fulfil its constitutional and legal obligations concerning local government elections in both Punjab and cantonment areas.

The election dates will be determined following the commission's review and approval of the proposed programmes.