Punjab polls: ECP submits report to SC regarding funds' provision

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday submitted its report to the Supreme Court regarding the provision of funds for the Punjab polls, ARY News reported.

On April 4, the Supreme Court set Monday (April 10) as the deadline for the government to issue funds to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and told the ECP to report back to it on Tuesday.

The officials of the ECP after submitting the sealed report to the SC Registrar’s Office, left the premises of the apex court.

The officials in their informal media talk said they are unaware of the content of the report submitted to the Supreme Court.

Finance Ministry’s report

Finance ministry has prepared a summary for the federal cabinet and Parliament regarding the provision of funds for Punjab elections, said sources.

The sources said the summary finalisaed by the finance ministry mentioned difficulties in the availability of large sums of money for elections separately۔

Sources having knowledge of the matter said that no money was kept in the budget for the elections and now it is difficult to take out Rs21 billion for the Punjab elections.

Punjab election schedule

Earlier, the Election Commission of Pakistan announced the schedule for elections in Punjab — which are to be held on May 14.

According to the electoral watchdog (ECP) notification, the polling for the Punjab Assembly elections will be held on May 14, 2023. The ECP also withdrew its earlier schedule regarding the holding of general elections in Punjab in October.

As per the schedule, appeals can be filed against the decisions of Returning Officers regarding rejection or accepting nomination papers on April 10.