ECP Announces Delimitation Schedule for Quetta, Kharian Cantonment Boards

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has officially notified the delimitation schedules for the Quetta and Kharian cantonment boards following their recent reclassification by the federal government. This decision comes amid ongoing discussions regarding the delay in conducting local government elections across cantonment boards nationwide.

As per the ECP’s announcement, all local bodies in Balochistan are set to be dissolved on February 8, 2027, marking the end of their constitutional term, with new local government elections anticipated thereafter. The federal government has upgraded the Quetta Cantonment Board from Class-II to Class-I and the Kharian Cantonment Board from Class-III to Class-II. Consequently, the ECP has determined that Quetta will have 10 wards, while Kharian will have five.

This reclassification and subsequent delimitation are significant as they reflect the federal government’s efforts to streamline local governance and ensure fair representation in upcoming elections. The changes may also influence political dynamics in these regions, potentially impacting voter turnout and party strategies.

The delimitation exercise for both Quetta and Kharian is scheduled to commence in November this year, as outlined in three notifications issued on October 29. Stakeholders are keenly awaiting the outcomes of this process, which will set the stage for future electoral contests.