The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has until today to release funding for Punjab elections straight to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), as ordered by the Supreme Court.
On April 14, a three-judge panel hearing the case of election delays in Punjab and KP directed the SBP to directly issue Rs21 billion for the poll and submit its report by April 18.
Previously, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) informed the court in a letter that it had yet to obtain funding to hold the Punjab elections.
The report mentioned a lack of funds and security for conducting elections in Punjab. The ECP informed the top court that they didn’t receive Rs21 billion yet.
SC orders SBP to release funds for Punjab elections
The Election Commission of Pakistan has published the schedule for the Punjab elections, which will take place on May 14.
The Punjab Assembly elections will be conducted on May 14, 2023, according to the electoral commission’s notification. The ECP also canceled its prior plans to hold general elections in Punjab in October.
According to the schedule, appeals against the decisions of Returning Officers on the rejection or acceptance of nomination papers can be filed on April 10.
