Islamabad: Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) submitted report to Supreme Court on non-provision of election funds as government failed to release finances to hold polls in Punjab. 

Three-member bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial had directed electoral body to hold elections in Punjab on May 14 and government to provide funds worth Rs 21 billion to ECP by April 10. Report was submitted to SC’s Registrar’s Office in sealed envelope, which will be sent to chambers of CJP Bandial, Justice Ijaz ul Ahsan and Justice Munib Akhtar.

It may be noted that top court had warned of action in case of non-compliance with orders. Despite orders, government failed to meet deadline set by apex court as ECP has not yet been financed.

Instead of providing funds in time, government on Monday tabled bill seeking approval of funds for elections in both Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

As per decision of Cabinet, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar introduced money bill, saying that government was laying bill before house in light of Supreme Court orders to release Rs 21 billion to ECP to hold general election in two provinces.

Published in The Daily National Courier, April, 12 2023

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