By Asim Hussain
ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday extended the deadline for filing nomination papers in the capital’s local government elections to December 30, 2025.
Under the revised schedule, candidates may submit nomination papers to returning officers between December 22 and 30, excluding Quaid-e-Azam Day and Sunday. The deadline, originally set for December 27, has now been extended to accommodate maximum candidates.
The extension was aimed at facilitating prospective candidates and ensuring a smooth nomination process. The upcoming Islamabad local government elections are part of broader efforts to strengthen local governance in the federal capital.
The Commission has urged candidates to file papers within the revised timezone to avoid disqualification.
Scrutiny of nomination papers will take place from January 1 to 6, 2026, excluding Sunday. Appeals against acceptance or rejection may be filed between January 7 and 10, with appellate authorities scheduled to decide cases from January 12 to 15.
The revised list of candidates will be issued on January 16, while January 17 has been set as the deadline for withdrawal of candidature. Election symbols will be allotted on January 19, followed by publication of the final list of contesting candidates the same day. Polling for the local government elections in the federal capital is scheduled for February 15, 2026, a Sunday. Consolidation of results will be carried out from February 16 to 19.
The Election Commission has clarified that its offices, along with those of district returning officers and returning officers, will remain open on public holidays if electoral activity is scheduled.
All proceedings will be conducted during office hours, while polling will run from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
