Islamabad (Web Desk): The Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday issued notices to the finance secretary, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP ), Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) and the secretary and director-general law of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) after the government failed to provide Rs21 billion funds to hold elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
According to details, the officials have been directed to appear in the court on April 14.
As per the notice, that non-provision of funds for holding the polls was "prima facie disobedience". "The consequences that can flow from such prima facie defiance of the court are well-settled and known.
"Every person who embarks upon, encourages or instigates disobedience of the court can be held liable and accountable."
The notices stated that provision of funds for holding polls was a more important matter than pursuing a contempt of court case.
The notice directed the SBP chief to come to the hearing with the record of all resources at the central bank's disposal. It also directed the finance secretary to come to the court with records.
The ECP secretary was also asked to bring all records related to polls for Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assemblies.
Earlier on Tuesday, the ECP submitted a report to the SC regarding the provision of funds by the government to hold elections in Punjab.
The report was submitted to the SC’s Registrar’s Office in a sealed envelope.
The government has so far not issued the funds for polls and instead referred the matter of election funds to Parliament. The bill was referred to a standing committee and lawmakers are set to reconvene on Thursday.
A three-member bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial had directed the electoral body to hold elections in Punjab on May 14, and the federal government to provide funds worth Rs21 billion to ECP by April 10.
On the other hand, the government has so far not issued the funds for polls and instead referred the matter of election funds to Parliament.
The bill was referred to a standing committee and lawmakers are set to reconvene on Thursday.
On Monday, Finance Minister Ishaq tabled a bill in the National Assembly (NA) pertaining to the release of funds to the ECP for holding elections in Punjab as ordered by the SC.
The bill titles 'Charged Sums for General Elections of Provincial Assemblies of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Bill 2023"
The bill was presented in both houses of the parliament following the the federal cabinet chaired Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Addressing the in the NA, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar said that the government was laying this bill before the House in light of the top court's orders to release Rs 21 billion to the ECP to hold general elections in Punjab and KP.
The finance minister said this august House had also passed a resolution that apex court’s order into the suo-motu notice regarding holding elections in Punjab is a decision of 4-3 and the judgment of 3-0 is a minority decision and that should not be implemented.
The minister said the Federal Cabinet, in its recent meeting, pondered over the SC's orders and in view of this House’s resolution, has sought will of the Parliament to take a final decision regarding allocation of funds for general elections for the provincial assemblies of the two provinces.
