ECP demands immediate release of Rs 10b for elections

• The funds were sought in a meeting with Ministry of Finance.
• ECP sought a total Rs15 billion from the government for elections.
• The funds should be provided under the revised budget for polls.

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has sought Rs15 billion from the government in order to make preparations for elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

According to details, the funds were sought during a meeting held between officials from ECP and the Ministry of Finance. The ECP also demanded the immediate release of Rs10 billion for the perpetration of polls in two provinces.

During the meeting, the ECP sought Rs15 billion from the government for conducting elections in Punjab, KP. Sources added that the finance ministry has already provided Rs5 billion to the commission in this regard.

Meanwhile, sources claimed, the Secretary of Finance has assured ECP that its demand will be presented before the government. He said the government does not even have money for daily expenses.
Officials noted that the withdrawal of resignations from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) MNAs saved the costs of the by-election.

ECP demanded that funds should be provided under the revised budget for general elections otherwise Article 220 will be used for non-cooperation.

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ECP officials observed that the provision of election expenses is the constitutional responsibility of the Ministry of Finance.