The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has released the official schedule for local government elections in Quetta, with polling to be held on Sunday, December 28, 2025.
According to the ECP, the nomination process for candidates will begin on November 13 and continue until November 17. The initial list of nominated candidates will be published on November 18, while the scrutiny of nomination papers by the returning officers will take place from November 19 to 24.
Detailed Schedule for Quetta LG Elections
The ECP schedule further outlines that appeals against returning officers’ decisions can be filed until November 28, and the Election Tribunal will decide these appeals by December 3.The revised list of candidates will be released on December 4, while the final list—after the withdrawal of any candidates—will be published on December 5.
Election symbols will be allotted on December 6, and the polling day will be Sunday, December 28, 2025.
| Process | Date |
|---|---|
| Submission of Nomination Papers | Nov 13–17 |
| Publication of Candidate List | Nov 18 |
| Scrutiny of Papers | Nov 19–24 |
| Appeals Deadline | Nov 28 |
| Tribunal Decisions | Dec 3 |
| Revised List Published | Dec 4 |
| Final List | Dec 5 |
| Symbol Allotment | Dec 6 |
| Polling Day | Dec 28, 2025 (Sunday) |
Balochistan Government Requests Election Delay
Meanwhile, the Balochistan government has officially requested the provincial election commission to postpone the elections due to harsh winter conditions and security concerns in Quetta.
Sources confirmed that the government sent a formal letter to the Provincial Election Commissioner, asking for a delay in the Quetta Metropolitan Corporation (QMC) elections.
Officials explained that extreme cold weather in Quetta and the outward migration of residents during the winter months would impact voter turnout.
In addition, a security threat alert issued in Quetta led to temporary suspension of internet and mobile data services in the provincial capital.
Court Directs ECP to Hold Elections Without Delay
Earlier, on October 6, a bench of the Balochistan High Court (BHC) dismissed petitions calling for the postponement of the elections and directed the ECP to proceed as soon as possible.
Following the court’s order, Provincial Election Commissioner Ali Asghar Sial announced that all necessary arrangements for the elections are in progress.
The Deputy Commissioner of Quetta has also been appointed as the District Returning Officer (DRO) to oversee the polling process.
Elections to Proceed Under ECP Supervision
Despite the government’s request for postponement, the ECP appears determined to hold the elections on schedule, in accordance with the Balochistan High Court’s directive.
Preparations for polling, security arrangements, and candidate verification are expected to be completed in the coming weeks.
