ISLAMABAD: Announcing its reserved verdict, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday ruled that the local government (LG) elections in Karachi and Hyderabad will be held on January 15 as per schedule.

The ECP dismissed the petition of Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) challenging the ECP’s decision for the prospective use of two separate electoral rolls in the LG polls simultaneously. The ECP directed the authorities concerned to ensure that elections are held on time. The ECP held that the election will be held according to existing voter lists. The Sindh government has been directed to ensure all preparations for the elections.

Earlier on Friday, a three-member ECP bench headed by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, had reserved the verdict. The ECP was also approached by the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) seeking holding of polls according to the schedule, which had been postponed multiple times for one reason or another. The JI’s plea has been accepted by the ECP. Earlier, on November 22, after several delays, the ECP had announced January 15, 2023 as the new date for the LG polls.