Overview
- Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani said the prolonged absence of elected local bodies has crippled basic administration and blocked property tax collection.
- The Election Commission’s director general for law acknowledged that complexities in the Local Government Act 2025 amendments have hindered poll preparations.
- Assistant Attorney General Usman Ghumman argued that the delay stems from legislative changes, stressing that law-making falls within Parliament’s domain.
- The court criticized Islamabad’s administrative setup in which one official holds both the CDA chairman and chief commissioner posts, concentrating powers away from elected representatives.
- Pressed by the bench, the Election Commission was asked when it will announce the poll schedule, with the court indicating it could set deadlines once a date is provided.