ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court is likely to pass an order today after reviewing the report submitted by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) regarding the provision of funds and security personnel for the elections in Punjab.
According to a report in JEE News published today, the Supreme Court had directed the election body to inform about the progress of its election order by April 11.
In a sealed one-page report, the commission told the court that the government did not release Rs 21 billion as directed by the Supreme Court and the Punjab caretaker government agreed to approve only 75,000 security personnel against the demand of 3 lakh.
On April 4, a three-member bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Atta Bandial, comprising Justice Ijaz-ul-Ahsan and Justice Muneeb Akhtar, declared the ECP order issued on March 22 as unconstitutional. .
The bench ruled on petitions filed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), challenging the ECP’s order, postponing the elections in Punjab to October 8 and fixing the date of elections in the province to May 14. .
Reliable sources told the publication that in view of the report submitted by the ECP, Chief Justice Bandyal will today consider the non-implementation of his order with his fellow judges and is likely to issue an appropriate order. will do
In compliance with the Supreme Court’s order, the ECP on Tuesday submitted a report on non-disbursement of election funds as the federal government failed to release funds for holding elections in Punjab.
The report was submitted to the Registrar’s Office of the Supreme Court in a sealed envelope, which was sent to the chambers of the Chief Justice, Justice Ahsan and Justice Muneeb Akhtar.
CJP-AGP meeting
It has also been learned that Attorney General for Pakistan Mansoor Awan also met the Chief Justice regarding the order of the Supreme Court.
Sources say that during the meeting, the Chief Justice made it clear to the AGP that the Supreme Court will uphold the Constitution, protect it and ensure the rule of law.
The Chief Justice also emphasized that the dictates of the Constitution should prevail and he is committed to implement that mandate.
Election Funds Bill
Earlier on Monday, the coalition government presented a bill in the National Assembly seeking approval of funds for elections in both Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which was later referred to the relevant parliamentary committee for consideration. was sent.
