Supreme Court summons finance secretary, AGP over non-provision of election funds

In response to the government’s failure to distribute Rs21 billion in funds for elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Supreme Court (SC) has sent notices to the finance secretary, State Bank of Pakistan Governor Jameel Ahmad, Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Awan, and the secretary and director-general law of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

The top court ordered the election watchdog in its ruling on April 4 to keep the court informed about poll funding and to submit a report on the government’s response to the request for funds. The SC ruling had stated that the Supreme Court may issue orders or give directions to the appropriate authorities if the funds are not provided or if there is a shortfall, as the case may be

The top court has instructed the officials to appear in court on April 14.