The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) decided on Thursday, 5 November, that the first phase of Punjab's long-delayed local government elections will be held on 7 February 2027.

The decision was taken by a four-member bench headed by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja. The ECP had initially proposed 14 December, but accepted the Punjab government's request for a later date.

Weather behind the delay

The Punjab chief secretary had briefed the commission that the province initially agreed to polls between 15 December 2026 and 15 January 2027, then asked for January or February 2027 as the weather improves in February, according to the Islamabad Post. The ECP accepted that request, giving the province two months to make arrangements.

Punjab has not held local government elections since 2015, The Standard reported. The ECP said that under Article 140A(2) of the Constitution, conducting local government elections is its responsibility.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa polls halted

Preparations for local government elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have been postponed until further orders. The decision followed the federal government's move a day earlier to extend the suspension of Article 140-A to the entire province.

This decision covers the first phase of the Punjab polls only. It does not set a date for the whole of Punjab's local government elections, and the separate Islamabad local government polls are not part of this announcement.

Sources: The News, ECP sets 7 February 2027 for first phase of Punjab LG polls, 5 November 2026; Islamabad Post, ECP announces first phase of Punjab LG elections, 5 November 2026; The Standard, Punjab LG polls first phase, 5 November 2026.