Finance Division has released Rs. 17.4 billion to the Election Commission of Pakistan in addition to Rs. 10.0 billion released in July 2023 for conduct of general elections in the country.
According to a statement of Ministry of Finance, additionally 17.4 billion rupees have been sent to ECP. “This brings the total released amount to Rs. 27.4 billion for holding general elections” said statement. Finance Division remains committed to provision of funds as and when required by the Election Commission of Pakistan.
Subsequently, the finance secretary had assured the poll watchdog that the funds required by the ECP urgently would be released in a day or two. In a post X (formerly Twitter), caretaker Minister for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Murtaza Solangi had also ruled out any crisis in meeting the ECP’s financial needs.
Last week, the electoral watchdog had rejected what it said were “baseless and misleading” reports about a delay in the upcoming general elections.
The statement had come in response to media reports that a request was submitted to the ECP to postpone the general elections, citing security concerns in Balochistan and the recent wave of terrorism.
The ECP and President Arif Alvi had agreed earlier this month on Feb 8, 2024, as the date for polls — an announcement that has stirred activity in the camps of major political parties.
