ISLAMABAD: The federal government has refused to provide additional fundsto Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for holding by-elections in Punjaband Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) citing the country’s economic situation.
According to details, the Ministry of Finance has apprised the electoralwatchdog of its decision, saying that the latter should withdraw the demandfor additional funds in the interest of the country.
In the statement, the finance ministry said the country was facing a severeeconomic crisis, adding that funds were also required for flood recoveryand rehabilitation.
“The country has to complete terms and conditions of International MonetaryFund (IMF),” it said, adding that additional funds will only be provided ifthe situation improves.
The Punjab and KP assemblies were dissolved on Jan 18 and Jan 14,respectively, after former prime minister Imran Khan had announced todissolve assemblies in an attempt to force the government to hold snappolls.
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As per the Constitution of Pakistan, polls need to be held for thedissolved assemblies in 90 days.
It is pertinent to mention here that the Election Commission of Pakistan(ECP) had asked for additional funds of Rs14 billion for the Punjab and KPby-elections.
