Islamabad (Pakistan News): The Election Commission has summoned the Interior Minister in person over delays in local body elections in the federal capital, while a contempt notice has been issued to the Secretary of Interior.
The case was heard by a five-member bench headed by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja. The Chief Commissioner of Islamabad, Ali Randhawa, appeared before the Commission, but the Secretary of Interior did not.
During the hearing, the Chief Election Commissioner inquired about the Secretary’s absence and directed that the Interior Minister be summoned in person for the next hearing. He warned that if the Secretary fails to appear, the Interior Minister will have to personally attend all future hearings.
Election Commission officials stated that a letter had been sent to the Secretary of Interior, but no cooperation was received, prompting the Chief Election Commissioner to issue the contempt notice.
During proceedings, the Commission emphasized the need to finalize the demarcation notification, the Islamabad map, and the number of Union Council members to commence the delimitation process. The Chief Election Commissioner noted that the ICT administration was treating the matter lightly, stressing that the elections are their direct responsibility.
He added that three federal ministers had appeared before the Commission to provide assurances, but further action would be taken if non-compliance continued. The CEC directed that the Chief Commissioner of Islamabad report progress on Tuesday, and the case was adjourned until the following Tuesday.
