ISLAMABAD: In compliance with the Supreme Court’s order, the federal cabinet has approved a summary to provide the required funds to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). The matter has been referred to the National Assembly, which will make the final decision.
On April 14, the Supreme Court (SC) directed the central bank to release Rs21 billion for elections in Punjab and communicate the release to the finance ministry by April 17. However, the Ministry of Finance failed to release the funds, prompting the electoral body to submit a report to the apex court.
During a special meeting of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue, Acting Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Sima Kamil informed the panel that the regulator had allocated Rs21 billion for the Election Commission to conduct polls in Punjab. However, the SBP does not have the authority to release funds directly, which led to the central bank being directed by the Supreme Court to arrange the funds.
Federal Minister for Justice and Law Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar informed the committee that the Ministry of Finance had already stated that it does not have enough funds to hold elections in Punjab on May 14. He added that spending twice on elections is not in the country’s interest.
Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, who was summoned by the NA body, did not attend the meeting as he was performing Umrah in Saudi Arabia.
SC directives to SBP for funds release
PML-N leader Barjees Tahir questioned how the Supreme Court could direct the SBP to release funds and added that if the SBP releases funds directly to the Election Commission, it will be against the law.
Aisha Ghaus Pasha, State Minister for Finance and Revenue, clarified that the SBP could not spend money without parliament’s permission.
The law minister assured the committee that this issue would be resolved on the same day as cabinet and National Assembly sessions are scheduled.
After the cabinet’s approval, the summary will also be presented in the National Assembly.
