ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Finance has released Rs10bn for the Punjab Assembly elections as directed by the Supreme Court. The three-member bench comprising Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial, Justice Ijazul Ahsan, and Justice Munib Akhtar had declared the ECP’s order to postpone the provincial assembly elections until October 8 as unconstitutional and ordered the government to release Rs21 billion funds for elections in Punjab by April 10.
According to official sources, the remaining Rs11bn for KP Assembly elections will be released after the announcement of the polls schedule in the province. The ECP had demanded Rs21 billion for the organization of elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has announced the schedule for elections in Punjab, which are to be held on May 14, 2023.
The electoral body also withdrew its earlier schedule regarding the holding of general elections in Punjab in October.
ECP issues schedule for Punjab elections
As per the ECP notification, the polling for the Punjab Assembly elections will be held on May 14, 2023.
Appeals against the decisions of Returning Officers can be filed regarding the rejection or acceptance of nomination papers on April 10.
The last date for deciding on appeals by the Appellate Tribunal is April 17, and the revised lists of candidates will be published on April 18.
The withdrawal of candidature can be made until April 19, while the candidates will be allotted election symbols on April 20.
The release of funds for the Punjab Assembly elections will facilitate the Election Commission of Pakistan in organizing a transparent and fair electoral process.
The ECP is working tirelessly to ensure that all necessary arrangements are made for the smooth conduct of the elections.
