The Supreme Court’s deadline to release funds for the elections in Punjab is expiring today (Monday).

A three-member bench led by CJP Umar Ata Bandial ordered the State Bank of Pakistan to issue funds for the elections last week.

After examining reports submitted by the officials, the bench ordered that funds should be issued by the SBP directly to the Election Commission. A full order would be issued after Friday prayers.

“The State Bank of Pakistan shall from Account I lying under its control and management (and which constitutes the principal component of the Federal Consolidated Fund) forthwith allocate and release Rs. 21 Billion for purposes of the general elections to the Punjab and KP Assemblies,” the order said.

The order says that the Ministry of Finance should give directions to the AGPR to raise the ceiling of the Election Commission’s funding.

“Likewise, the Election Commission shall on 18.04.2023 file a report with this Court confirming that Rs.21 Billion have become available to it in terms as stated above.”

Attorney General Mansoor Awan presented the government’s version to the bench, saying that any amount from the Federal Consolidated Fund cannot be issued without the parliament’s approval. Sources said that the Aۂ was subjected to intense questioning over the matter.

In the written reply, the government told the court that it had fulfilled its responsibility by presenting a bill regarding election expenditures in the parliament. It als said that the SC cannot directly order the SBP to issue funding.

The CJP reportedly issued displeasure at the government’s version and said that the court’s order would have to be complied with in every case.

Only relevant people had been permitted to enter the chamber proceedings and even the additional officials accompanying those summoned to the session were asked to stay outside.

SC summons finance secretary and SBP governor over election funding

The Supreme Court of Pakistan summoned the secretary of finance as well as the governor of the State Bank of Pakistan to appear in person to answer why funds for Punjab elections have not been issued.

Notices have also been issued to the attorney general and secretary of the election commission. The officials have been told to appear in court on April 14.

The notices come after the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) submitted a sealed report in the court on Tuesday, which said that the government had not provided the funding or security required for the elections.

The court had ordered on April 4 that elections in Punjab should be held on May 14 and the governments at centre and Punjab should provide whatever help needed to make sure elections can be organised.