Islamabad: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has issued a reserved verdict regarding the local government elections in Punjab, announcing that the polls will be held in the last week of December 2025.

As per the decision, the ECP has directed that the delimitation process begin from tomorrow (Thursday) and be completed within two months. Relevant authorities have been instructed to take immediate steps to ensure timely completion.

The elections will be conducted under the Punjab Local Government Act, 2022, which introduces new local governance structures and boundaries. Accordingly, the delimitation process will be carried out in line with the provisions of this law.

During today’s hearing, the Chief Election Commissioner and other ECP members were informed that the Punjab local government laws have been amended five times, with a sixth amendment currently underway. However, it was confirmed that elections can proceed under the existing Local Government Act of 2022.

Chief Election Commissioner remarked that the continuous delay in Punjab’s local body elections is becoming an embarrassment, noting that elections have already been held in the other three provinces and cantonment boards. He emphasized the urgency of the matter, stating that the verdict must be announced today.

It is worth noting that just a few days ago, the Lahore High Court, responding to a petition filed by Jamaat-e-Islami, had summoned the Advocate General and the Chief Secretary of Punjab over the delay in holding local government elections in the province.