During a hearing on delayed local government (LG) elections in Punjab, CEC Raja noted that all provinces except Punjab have held their LG polls.
“If the Commission issues an order regarding Punjab, it would be a source of embarrassment,” he remarked. “But we will not remain passive—we will issue an appropriate directive.”
Leading a five-member ECP bench, CEC Raja emphasized that the Commission “cannot sit idle with its eyes shut” and added that the Chief Minister of Punjab could also be summoned to explain the delay.
ECP Secretary Umar Hameed told the bench that neither the federal government in ICT nor the Punjab government appears interested in holding the elections. Punjab, in particular, has delayed LG elections for over three years since the previous local governments completed their term on December 31, 2021.
The province has amended its local government laws five times since 2019, with sixth amendment currently in the works.
Raja further mentioned that he had personally appeared before the Supreme Court regarding this matter, underlining the seriousness of the situation. “It is unacceptable that legislation keeps getting delayed while the democratic process remains suspended for five years.”
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Punjab’s Minister for Local Government informed the Commission that the legislative process is ongoing, with the bill under review by the standing committee.
Although the bill has been with the assembly for over three months—longer than the typical two-month review period—the draft rules are ready and can be shared with the ECP.
Reiterating the urgency, CEC Raja said, “If we are forced to intervene, it won’t reflect well on the provincial government. The process must move forward swiftly.”
When a Commission member asked who could provide a firm commitment on holding elections, CEC Raja replied that both the Chief Minister and, in the case of ICT, the Prime Minister could be summoned.
The Commission has adjourned the hearing, leaving open the possibility of further action if delays persist.
