Islamabad: Islamabad High Court (IHC) has stopped MCI from increasing property tax. According to media report Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kiyani held the hearing by clubbing the cases. Barrister Omar Ejaz Gillani, Badar Iqbal, Muhammad Ali and others appeared in the court on behalf of the petitioners. Counsels and representatives of Election Commission (EC), CDA and MCI appeared in the court. Additional Attorney General (AAG), Assistant Attorney General and others appeared in the court too.

Additional Attorney General said Islamabad Local Bodies Election Commission Act-2025 is under discussion in standing committee. This will come to parliament from standing committee and will be put to debate therein. Election Commission filed reports regarding local bodies polls in Islamabad in the court.

EC authorities said EC had given time line of 120 days for local bodies polls in Islamabad. In general election there is only one nomination paper whereas there are several nomination papers in general election. Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kiyani while moving to Additional Attorney General said then it should not be considered election.

The court inquired from Additional Attorney General amendment will be made in what period.

Justice Mohsin Akhtar remarked 26th constitutional amendment was made soon. Will this amendment be made early or slow. Additional Attorney General said this amendment will also be made soon.

The petitioner took the plea how can property tax be increased when there is no elected local government in place. Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kiyani remarked the old ratio of property tax will stay unless local government is elected. The court adjourned the hearing till September 24.