Islamabad – The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Thursday issued a contempt notice to the interior secretary over his failure to appear in a hearing related to the prolonged delay in holding local government elections in Islamabad.
A five-member bench of the commission, headed by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja, heard the case and expressed strong displeasure over the non-cooperation by the interior ministry.
Secretary Absent, Naqvi Put on Notice
During the proceedings, Islamabad Chief Commissioner Ali Randhawa appeared before the commission, but the interior secretary was conspicuously absent.
The chief election commissioner questioned the absence and directed that a “contempt of commission notice” be issued against the secretary. He further ordered that Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi appear in person at the next hearing if the secretary continues to remain absent.
Non-Cooperation Alleged
ECP officials informed the commission that a letter had been sent to the interior secretary, but no response had been received, and the ministry had not cooperated in the matter.
The commission was told that essential documents required to begin the delimitation process—including the official notification, a map of Islamabad, and details of the number of union council members—had not yet been provided.
CEC’s Warning
The chief election commissioner observed that the Islamabad Capital Territory Administration was not treating the issue seriously, despite the fact that conducting local government elections is its statutory responsibility.
He warned authorities not to force the commission into taking “strict action” and directed officials to provide a clear timeline for progress on the matter.
Next Hearing
The ECP instructed the Islamabad chief commissioner to update the commission on developments at the next hearing. The case was adjourned until Tuesday.
The delay in holding local government elections in the federal capital has been a contentious issue, with the ECP repeatedly pressing the administration to fulfill its constitutional obligations.
