ECP summons finance, interior ministries on Thursday 

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has summoned the ministry of interior and finance tomorrow (Thursday) at 12:30 pm over the matter relating to the upcoming provincial elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

According to the sources, the representatives of both ministries will give a briefing to the Chief Election Commissioner. The Ministry of Interior will be asked to ensure the provision of the military, rangers, and other law enforcement agencies personnel for holding a free and transparent election. 

The electoral watchdog will ask the Ministry of Finance to provide funds for the elections as it will require additional funds for holding elections. 

The federal government already has refused to provide additional funds to ECP citing the country’s economic situation.

The Ministry of Finance last month apprised the electoral watchdog of its decision, saying that the latter should withdraw the demand for additional funds in the interest of the country.

It further observed the country is facing a severe economic crisis and funds are required for flood recovery and rehabilitation.

Now, the ECP is at a crossroads after the federal government’s refusal to provide funds for general elections to the provincial assemblies of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and a similar message from the military regarding troops for security-related duties.

It is pertinent to mention here that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had asked for additional funds of Rs14 billion for the Punjab and KP by-elections.

 The Punjab and KP assemblies were dissolved on Jan 18 and Jan 14, respectively, after former prime minister Imran Khan had announced to dissolve of assemblies in an attempt to force the government to hold snap polls.

As per the Constitution of Pakistan, polls need to be held for the dissolved assemblies in 90 days.