The Election Commission of Pakistan has submitted its sealed report to the Supreme Court pertaining to availability of funds for holding elections in Punjab by the federal government, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
The report was submitted to the SC registrar’s office.
The Supreme Court had ordered the ECP to submit the report regarding provision of funds by the government till today.
The report will be presented to Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Umar Ata Bandial, Justice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice Munib Akhtar at their chambers.
The apex court in its April 4 ruling ordered the government to provide funds for the polls to Punjab Assembly by April 10.
The court also ordered to submit a report about availability of security personnel for poll duty and cooperation by concerned institutions for holding elections.
The ECP has demanded Rs21 billion from the government to hold elections in Punjab.
Finance Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday tabled a bill in both houses of parliament seeking the release of funds for holding elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in line with the directives issued by the Supreme Court.
He further said the ECP was responsible for holding free and fair elections but contended that holding polls right now was not in Pakistan’s national interest, given the current economic and security situation.
National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf said that the bill had been referred to the relevant committee. The NA session was later adjourned till 2pm on April 13 (Thursday).
Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani, also said that he would send the bill to the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue which shall submit its report by Friday, April 14, 2023.
Reporter Amanat Gishkori