ECP reserves verdict on Punjab's plea to hold LG polls after January 20

Punjab Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafiq, the provincial chief secretary and the secretary of the local government department appeared before the commission. During the hearing, the chief election commissioner noted that discussions had previously taken place between the Punjab cabinet committee and the ECP.

He said the provincial government had earlier proposed holding elections between December 15 and January 15. Punjab Chief Secretary for the local government elections were complete but requested a date after January 20, saying the administration needed an additional two months to make the necessary arrangements.

He cited severe fog in Punjab, particularly Lahore, during December, explaining that weather conditions made election arrangements difficult for administrative staff. He added that conditions generally improve after January 20. An ECP member pointed out that the provincial government had previously suggested holding elections in April.

Responding to the observation, the chief secretary said the government had reconsidered its position and had no objection to holding elections in January or February. However, he maintained that April would be more suitable because of longer daylight hours and school holidays.

He argued that shorter days and cold weather during winter could discourage voters from coming out to cast their ballots, while April would provide more favourable conditions. Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja said the commission would consider the request for a date after January 20 and announce its decision accordingly.

During the exchange, the chief election commissioner also made a light-hearted remark about the provincial government's plans to celebrate Basant. The ECP reserved its verdict on the Punjab government's request to hold local government elections after January 20.