The federal cabinet on Friday approved a further delay in local government elections in Islamabad after ratifying decisions taken by the Cabinet Committee on Legislation (CCL) during meetings held on December 3 and December 30. The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and was described as brief but significant in terms of legislative and economic matters.
According to sources, the Islamabad chief commissioner briefed the cabinet on proposed legislation related to local government polls in the federal capital. Following the briefing, the cabinet endorsed new legislation that will align Islamabad’s local government election framework with the Punjab model, effectively postponing the previously announced election schedule.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had earlier fixed February 15 as the date for Islamabad’s local government elections, with result compilation planned between February 16 and 19. However, the cabinet’s approval of revised legislation has resulted in another delay, extending uncertainty over the conduct of grassroots elections in the capital.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also addressed broader national issues. He extended New Year greetings to cabinet members and expressed satisfaction over the successful privatization of 75 percent shares of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). He termed the bidding process transparent and said the privatization marked a major milestone in the government’s efforts to reform loss-making state-owned enterprises.
The prime minister noted that the government had pulled the country back from the brink of default and was now steering it toward economic stability. He said the increase in GDP during the first quarter of the current fiscal year was an encouraging sign for the economy.
Shehbaz Sharif also highlighted recent diplomatic engagements, including productive meetings with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and a phone call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He said both interactions reflected satisfaction over growing economic and strategic cooperation.
In addition, the cabinet ratified decisions of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) meeting held on August 26, 2025. These included measures to provide relief to electricity consumers of distribution companies and steps related to the off-grid captive power plant levy. The cabinet also approved initiating a presidential ordinance to amend the Off-Grid (Captive Power Plants) Levy Act 2025, allowing third parties to sell gas to off-grid captive power plants.
