SC issues notices to officials over delay in funding for Punjab Polls

Islamabad: The Supreme Court issued notices to the Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP), secretary of finance, and other relevant officials over the delay in the release of funds for holding elections to the Punjab Assembly.

A three-member bench of Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial, had directed the electoral body to hold elections in Punjab on May 14, and the federal government to provide funds amounting to Rs21 billion to Election Commission by April 10.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) submitted a report to the court on Tuesday stating that the federal government had not provided funds for the elections.

Subsequently, the apex court issued notices to the AGP, finance secretary, ECP secretary, ECP director general (law) and State Bank of Pakistan governor to appear for an in-chamber hearing at 1100 hours on April 14.

The notice stated that non-provision of funds for holding the polls was “prima facie disobedience”. “The consequences that can flow from such prima facie defiance of the court are well-settled and known.

“Every person who embarks upon, encourages or instigates disobedience of the court can be held liable and accountable.”

The notices stated that provision of funds for holding polls was a more important matter than pursuing a contempt of court case.

The notice directed the SBP chief to come to the hearing with the record of all resources at the central bank’s disposal. It also directed the finance secretary to come to the court with records.

The ECP secretary was also asked to bring all poll records for Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assemblies.