ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), in line with the Supreme Court’s order, on Tuesday submitted a report to a three-member bench of the top court, stating it has not yet received the Rs21 billion from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) required for holding polls to the Punjab Assembly on May 14.
The report was finalised at a meeting of the ECP chaired by the chief election commissioner.
The report mentioned that the central bank did not transfer Rs21 billion into the ECP account despite the Supreme Court’s order, local media reported citing sources.
In its report, the ECP stated that it was difficult to make arrangements for holding polls without funds.
Top Court’s Order
A three-member SC bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial and comprising Justice Ijaz ul Ahsan and Justice Munib Akhtar, on Friday ordered the SBP to release funds worth Rs21 billion for holding polls in Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and also send an “appropriate communication” to this effect to the Ministry of Finance by April 17 (Monday). The top court had also sought a compliance report from the finance ministry by April 18, which “shall also include a confirmation in relation to AGPR (Accountant General Pakistan Revenue)”.
The same bench had, in an earlier order, set May 14 as the new date for polls to the Punjab Assembly, as it ruled out the ECP’s decision to postpone the election date from April 10 to Oct 8.
Separately, the SBP also submitted its report to the SC highlighting the reasons in support of its argument that “they can allocate funds; however, did not have the authority to release funds directly”.
Meanwhile, officials from the finance ministry also submitted a report to the registrar’s office, which included details of all developments that have taken place since the directives were issued.
The report mentioned all legal aspects of releasing funds as well as the concerns raised by the cabinet and parliament.
A day earlier, the National Assembly rejected a motion seeking a supplementary sum of Rs21 billion for elections in Punjab.
