The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP — the body that runs and regulates elections) has issued a show-cause notice to Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan after the party failed to complete an MQM intra-party election by the extended deadline of 15 October 2026. The notice, dated 26 October 2026, gives the party 14 days to submit its reply.
According to the commission, political parties are legally required to elect their office-bearers on a regular basis. The Elections Act 2017 makes an MQM intra-party election — and the same process for other registered parties — a mandatory duty, not an optional party matter.
What the notice requires
The notice states that once intra-party elections are finished, the party must file an election certificate with the Election Commission within seven days. The commission has cautioned that if no reply arrives within the given period, further action will follow under the law.
It also sets out a clear electoral consequence: for failing to hold intra-party elections, MQM Pakistan would no longer remain eligible to obtain an election symbol, and that symbol could be withheld for upcoming elections.
Why the deadline matters
The commission said MQM Pakistan did not fulfil the legal condition even after the deadline was extended to 15 October 2026. That missed date triggered the show-cause process rather than a routine reminder.
Party members and organisers now face a short window to explain the delay and show how they will meet the statutory steps, including the certificate filing rule after any vote is completed.
Timeline: what has happened so far
- 15 October 2026: Extended deadline for MQM Pakistan to hold intra-party elections passes unmet, according to the Election Commission.
- 26 October 2026: The ECP issues a show-cause notice to MQM Pakistan over the failure to hold the vote.
- Within 14 days of the notice: The party must file its reply; the commission warns of further legal action if it does not.
- After any completed intra-party vote: An election certificate must reach the ECP within seven days.
Aasan alfaaz mein
Election Commission ne MQM Pakistan ko notice diya hai ke party ne andaruni elections nahi karaye. Party ko 14 din mein jawab dena hai. Agar rules poore na hue to party ka election symbol ruk sakta hai. Iska matlab hai ke aage ke elections mein MQM ka pehchan wala nishaan masla ban sakta hai.
