ISLAMABAD (special crosspondent) – The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is accelerating preparations for local government elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), setting a deadline of July 28 for the completion of all pending formalities. The commission has directed concerned authorities to finalize outstanding legal and administrative requirements ahead of the next hearing.

During proceedings at the ECP, key officials including the Chief Secretary and Secretary Local Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, alongside the Chief Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of Islamabad, appeared to provide updates on election preparations.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Election Preparations

The KP Chief Secretary informed the Commission that maps for 23 districts have been submitted, enabling the ECP to complete the delimitation process in these areas. In adherence to the ECP’s July 1 directive, maps for the remaining 15 districts have also been provided.

Furthermore, notifications for Village Councils and Neighbourhood Councils have been issued and shared with the ECP for seven of the newly submitted districts. The remaining eight districts are awaiting provincial government approval before their notifications can be forwarded to the Commission. The ECP has instructed provincial authorities to submit these pending notifications before July 28 to ensure the delimitation work in all districts proceeds promptly and the local government election schedule remains on track.

Islamabad Local Government Elections

Regarding the Islamabad case, the Chief Commissioner informed the Commission that summaries pertaining to the notification of Town Corporation boundaries and the allocation of Union Councils within each Town Corporation have been forwarded to the Prime Minister’s Office for Cabinet approval. He further stated that on July 6, 2026, the Prime Minister authorized the approval of these summaries through circulation among Cabinet members, paving the way for the issuance of the necessary notifications.

The Election Commission has adjourned both matters until July 28, 2026. On this date, the commission will review the compliance with its directives and assess the progress made towards holding the local government elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the federal capital.