Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has decided to participate in the upcoming local government elections in Islamabad, scheduled for December 20, 2026, directing its local organisations to submit nomination papers for all 125 union council seats.

PTI Islamabad President Amir Mughal confirmed the decision to Dawn on Wednesday, October 28, saying the party would contest every seat regardless of the election symbols allotted to its candidates.

According to the party, the decision followed consultations with around 400 office-bearers representing regional, district, and town organisations, union councils, and various party wings. PTI said approximately 95 percent of those consulted supported participating in the elections.

The party also pledged to prioritise committed workers and candidates aligned with the political ideology of its founder, Imran Khan.

However, PTI criticised the existing local government law, arguing that elected representatives would have limited authority over municipal services. It also raised concerns about proposed indirect elections for chairpersons and vice-chairpersons and the potential for interference in the electoral process.

The Election Commission of Pakistan has scheduled polling for December 20, following repeated delays in Islamabad’s local government elections. councils,