The Election Commission of Pakistan has issued directions to caretaker governments and federal and provincial levels to ensure level playing field for all political parties in the upcoming elections.

In a notification issued on Tuesday, the ECP issued a list of directions to the caretaker governments to allow for free and fair elections to take place.

“The Care-Taker Governments shall not attempt to influence the elections or do or cause to be done anything which may, in any manner, influence or adversely affect the free and fair elections,” one of the directions reads.

The ECP has also directed all office bearers in the caretaker governments to submit details of their assets as well as the assets of their dependants.

The notification has also ordered the withdrawal of all residences and vehicles from former PM, CMs, ministers and advisors. It also says that special security should not be given to dignitaries.

A ban has also been placed on transfer, postings and recrutiments in any government department except with prior approval from the commission. The restriction does not apply to federal and provincial service commissions and posts where recruitment process has been completed.

The ECP has also told the governments not to execute or announce any development schemes and no tenders shall be issued without the commission’s permission either.

The notification also announces that all local government funds stand frozen. However, exceptions can be made with the commission’s approval in special cases.

The caretaker government has been restricted to day-to-day affairs but will be able to execute ongoing bilateral agreements.