ECP freezes development funds of local govt institutions till announcement of election results

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has issued immediate directives to freeze all development funds related to local government institutions until the announcement of results for the February 8 polls. The commission, tasked with ensuring fair and lawful elections, emphasized the need to prevent local government actions that could unduly influence the election outcomes.

In a notification, the ECP stressed the importance of establishing a level playing field for political parties and candidates. It directed local government functionaries across provinces, including cantonments, to focus on routine responsibilities related to sanitation and cleanliness, essential for the smooth functioning of local governments.

Furthermore, the commission explicitly prohibited the announcement or execution of any development schemes, except those approved before the election schedule was declared on December 15. It also instructed local governments and cantonment boards to refrain from issuing tenders for new schemes until the conclusion of the general elections and without prior approval from the ECP.

These directives aim to uphold the integrity of the electoral process by preventing local government activities from influencing the results of the upcoming February 8 polls.