ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday postponed the December 31 local body elections in Islamabad following the reshuffle of union councils in the federal capital.
A five-judge bench had reserved its verdict on the first day after the arguments in the case were over.
During today’s hearing, former Attorney General Ishtar Usaf, who represented the federal government in the case, told the bench that union councils were increased in Islamabad on the basis of population growth.
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja asked whether the census report was published.
Ausaf told the bench that the Census Bureau had informed about the population growth of Islamabad, adding that the ECP should look into the population growth.
“The Islamabad High Court (IHC) also recognized the increase in population but empowered the Election Commission to take the final decision after hearing the government’s view,” Ausaf told the bench.
“In the past, elections were postponed even after the schedule was released. The Election Commission has to decide according to the constitution and the law,” Ausaf said, adding that the ECP cannot deprive citizens of their fundamental rights.
This is a developing story and will be updated with more details.
