High Court Orders Islamabad Local Government Elections Under 2015 Act

ISLAMABAD: In a major legal and administrative development, authorities have been directed to conduct local body elections in the federal capital in accordance with the Islamabad Capital Territory Local Government Act 2015. The explicit directives reinforce the constitutional requirement of establishing local democratic representation within the metropolitan region without further procedural delays.

The ruling comes following petitions challenging the repeated postponements of local government polls in Islamabad. Civic advocates and legal experts have consistently argued that the prolonged absence of elected local representatives has severely compromised municipal management, urban development, and grassroots public service delivery across urban and rural zones of the capital.

By mandating the implementation of the 2015 local government law, the directive aims to restore direct democratic oversight over municipal affairs, neighborhood maintenance, local infrastructure projects, and public utilities. The move is expected to empower local communities and ensure transparent fiscal management for millions of Islamabad residents who have lacked direct local governance for years.

Following the court’s direction, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and federal administrative authorities are expected to coordinate on logistical arrangements and announce a definitive electoral schedule. Political parties operating in the federal capital have welcomed the development and are preparing to kickstart their campaign machinery for the upcoming polls.