ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday expressed the hope that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) might revise the schedule for submission of nomination papers for the Local Government (LG) elections in Islamabad.

The court was hearing the petition filed by ruling parties seeking delay in the LG election till the delimitation of constituencies.

Previously, the Ministry of Interior issued a notification, increasing the numbers of the union councils from 50 to 101. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had on June 2 issued a schedule for holding elections in 50 union councils of the capital on July 31.

Under the schedule, over 1,000 people had obtained nomination papers from the district election office.

The ruling parties, PML-N and PPP, had approached the IHC, seeking a revised election schedule after increasing the number of the UCs to 101.

PML-N’s counsel argued before the court that the total number of UCs has been increased to 101 as per the notification of minister of interior while Election Commission has issued notification of election in 50 UCs.

IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah while hearing the case said: “The public could not be deprived of any representation.”

Though the court declined to issue a stay order in this matter, Chief Justice Minallah expressed the hope that the Election Commission will extend the date for submission of nominations according to the new notification of the ministry of interior.

The court also issued a notice to the ECP and the Federal Government. Further hearing in this matter has been adjourned till June 20.

Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2022