New crisis brews as govt fails to release elections funds

The ministry of finance has failed to release funds for holding general elections on February 8, stoking fears about election delays.

The development surfaced on Monday after the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) summoned the finance secretary over a lack of funds.

A total of Rs42 billion has been allocated for holding the general election 2024 in the financial year 2023-24 budget.

However, the ministry of finance has released only Rs10 billion so far.

According to the sources, the remaining funds for the election are being withheld without any explanation from the ministry.

As the election date approaches, the ECP is currently in need of Rs17 billion immediately.

The sources claimed that ECP approached the ministry of finance repeatedly for the release of election funds, but failed to get any positive response.

Sources said that the ECP chief has decided to inform the Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar about the situation and will write a detailed letter regarding the non-provision of funds.

The issue of election funds made headlines throughout the year 2023 when the Supreme Court of Pakistan set a headline for the release of money so that early general elections could be held in Punjab.

Back then, the ECP told the apex court that it could not hold the election as funds were not available.