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ISLAMABAD – The federal cabinet approved amendments to the Local Government Act, 2015, on January 2, 2026, leading to the postponement of local government elections in Islamabad. The elections were scheduled for February 15, 2026.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired the cabinet meeting, during which the amendments were endorsed. The changes introduce a new local government system for the Islamabad Capital Territory, modeled on the Punjab system. This includes replacing the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad with three Town Corporations, each aligned with the boundaries of one of Islamabad’s three National Assembly constituencies.
The amendments confirm the Islamabad Capital Territory Local Government (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, which was reviewed by the Cabinet Committee for Legislative Cases on December 30, 2025. The Election Commission of Pakistan has not issued an official postponement notice. Sources indicate the delay is required due to the need for new electoral delimitations and preparations.
This marks the fifth postponement of the elections since the previous term expired in February 2021. The last local government elections in Islamabad occurred in 2015-16. Prior delays involved adjustments to the number of union councils, from 50 to 101 and then to 125 seats.
The amendments aim to address governance issues in Islamabad, which has a population of approximately 2.5 million. The city has faced challenges including water shortages and infrastructure maintenance under administrator-led management since 2021.
Political reactions have emerged. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) described the move as an attempt to avoid elections. PML-N stated the changes are necessary for improved administration.
Labour unions and civil society groups have opposed the amendments, stating they conflict with constitutional provisions on local autonomy.
