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ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Finance released Rs10 billion on Saturday for the Punjab Assembly elections, which are scheduled for May 14 as ordered by the Supreme Court.
A three-judge bench comprised of Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial, Justice Ijazul Ahsan, and Justice Munib Akhtar ruled that the ECP’s order postponing provincial assembly elections until October 8 was “unconstitutional” and ordered the government to release Rs21 billion in funds for Punjab elections by April 10.
According to sources, the finance ministry has released Rs10 billion for Punjab elections, while the remaining Rs11 billion for KP Assembly elections will be released after the province’s election schedule is announced.
The electoral commission had asked for Rs21 billion to organize elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
Election schedule in Punjab
Earlier, the Election Commission of Pakistan announced the schedule for the May 14 elections in Punjab.
The Punjab Assembly elections will be held on May 14, 2023, according to the electoral commission’s notification. The ECP also canceled its earlier plans to hold general elections in Punjab in October.
According to the schedule, appeals against the decisions of Returning Officers regarding the rejection or acceptance of nomination papers can be filed on April 10.
The Appellate Tribunal will have until April 17 to decide on appeals, and the revised lists of candidates will be published on April 18, according to the ECP notification.
Candidates may withdraw their candidacy until April 19, 2023, after which they will be assigned election symbols. The election will take place on May 14.
