QUETTA – The Election Commission of Pakistan has formally turned down a request from Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti to postpone the local body elections in Quetta. In its written decision, the ECP rejects the plea and confirms that polling will be held on December 28, 2025, as planned.
The commission stated that the Balochistan government must fully cooperate with the ECP and all concerned departments to ensure that the elections run smoothly. It also directed security agencies to make strong arrangements to protect voters, candidates, polling staff, and the general public.
In the decision, the ECP rejects all arguments presented by the provincial government for delaying the polls. However, Election Commission member Shah Muhammad issued a dissenting note. He warned that harsh winter conditions in Quetta may reduce voter turnout, as many residents move to other districts during extreme weather. He also raised concerns about the law and order situation in several parts of Balochistan.
Shah Muhammad argued that the elections should be postponed until conditions improve, but the majority of the commission did not agree. The ECP rejects his concerns as grounds for delaying the process and maintains that the constitutional requirement to hold elections must be fulfilled.
The commission said all security and administrative steps will be taken to conduct the polls safely and fairly. It stressed that the election date will not change and preparations must continue without interruption.
It is also important to note that the Balochistan High Court dismissed similar petitions on October 10. The court directed the ECP to hold the elections “as soon as possible,” supporting the commission’s decision to proceed.
In other news read more about: ECP Announces Islamabad local Bodies Election Schedule
With the ECP’s latest ruling, Quetta’s local body elections are now confirmed for December 28. The polls are expected to play an important role in strengthening local governance in the province.
