Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani questions additional attorney general regarding delay, observing that if amendment process takes too long, it undermines election’s legitimacy
ISLAMABAD: (UrduPoint/Pakistan Point News-June 2nd, 2025) The Islamabad High Court on Monday barred the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) from increasing property tax rates until an elected local government is in place.
The case was heard by Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, who consolidated several petitions on the matter. Barrister Umar Ejaz Gilani, Badr Iqbal, Muhammad Ali and other petitioners’ representatives appeared in court.
The lawyers and officials from the Election Commission, Capital Development Authority (CDA), and MCI also attended the hearing. Additional Attorney General and Assistant Attorney General were present as well.
During proceedings, the Additional Attorney General informed the court that the Islamabad Local Government Election Commission Act 2025 is currently under discussion in the Parliamentary Standing Committee. Following the committee’s review, the bill will be tabled in Parliament for further debate and approval.
The Election Commission submitted reports concerning the local government elections in Islamabad, stating that a timeline of 120 days had been set for conducting the polls. The officials noted that while nomination papers are limited in general elections, they tend to be significantly higher in local government elections.
Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani questioned the Additional Attorney General regarding the delay, observing that if the amendment process takes too long, it undermines the election’s legitimacy. The judge referenced the swift passage of the 26th constitutional amendment and inquired whether this amendment would proceed with similar speed. The Additional Attorney General assured the court that the current amendment would also be completed soon.
The petitioners’ counsel argued that without an elected local government, MCI cannot lawfully increase property taxes. Justice Kayani concurred, ruling that until local governments are duly elected, the existing property tax rates will remain in effect.
The court adjourned the case and scheduled the next hearing for September 24.
