Islamabad: Federal Minister for Finance Senator Ishaq Dar said the government cannot provide funds for elections in Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa without obeying the Constitution, adding that the State Bank of Pakistan cannot issue money on its own.
Dar told the National Assembly that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) wants Rs54 billion for the 2022-23 general elections, compared to Rs5 billion.
He also noted that early elections would cost Rs14 billion. Dar asked if they could be done within 90 days even with the necessary funding.
He added Rs35 billion being spent on the current census, which is experiencing major hurdles, notwithstanding economic difficulties. “Despite the difficulties efforts made to complete the census.”
Dar said Pakistan is emerging from its worst economic crisis and questioned whether it can afford its current financial situation.
He further noted that Pakistan was the 24th rising economy in 2018.
Moreover, Dar challenged that the country’s reserves would reach $24 billion if his statements accepted five years ago. “Will an apocalypse follow if all the elections in the country held on the same day” he said. Adding that a few months’ delay won’t matter.
Azam Nazir Tarar
Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar also addressed the subject, noting that the house rejected a law on this issue.
“The house had already decided through a resolution and expressed reservations, urging the federal administration not to implement the minority ruling [of Supreme Court]. Tarar said the house can approve or reject the funds.
After four of seven judges denied the elections delay petition, the house rejected the bill.
“The Election Commission empowered to conduct transparent and impartial elections,” Tarar stated.
Articles 81, 82, 83, and 84 of the Constitution required House approval for any national treasury spending in this area.
“Parliament can approve or reject a supplementary grant in next year’s budget.”
Speaker conveys “sentiments” to CJP
National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf would write to Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial and other top court judges to express the House’s views.
Ashraf indicated during the session that he wanted the letter written and handed to the Chief Justice of Pakistan and other highest court judges as soon as feasible.
