Islamabad, December 26, 2025: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday extended the deadline for submission of nomination papers for local government elections in Islamabad by three days, following a request from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The new deadline is now December 30.
In a formal application to the ECP, Secretary of the Baldiat Committee Anjum Shahzad Tanoli noted that the government had declared December 26 a local holiday, which could affect the smooth submission of nomination papers. He highlighted that Islamabad consists of 125 Union Councils, each requiring at least nine councillors to submit their nominations, warning that the holiday could create administrative and logistical difficulties for candidates, proposers, and relevant offices, leading to congestion on the original final day.
Polling for the local government elections is scheduled for February 15, with results expected to be consolidated between February 16 and 19.
Despite concerns over potential rigging, PTI has decided to participate in the elections. In line with party policy, priority will be given to workers who have remained loyal to the party and its ideology and have made sacrifices over the past three years when selecting candidates for nomination.
