As February 8 is coming nearer there is uncertainty prevailing in the country that the General Elections 2024 might be delayed again. The security situation, lack of funds and the pleas seeking adjournment of the elections in courts citing snowfall in February are strengthening rumours of delay.
The Election Commission of Pakistan, however, has refuted claims of delaying the general elections. They insist elections will be held on time and there is no truth in the delay claims. Nonetheless, the ground situation is entirely different as the electoral body is facing a lack of funds for the elections and sources have claimed that it has summoned the Secretary of Finance for non-provision of allocated funds reserved for the general elections 2024.
It has been learnt that a total of Rs 42 billion was reserved for the preparation of the general election 2024 in the financial year 2023-24 budget, while the Ministry of Finance has only released Rs 10 billion so far. Sources within the ECP state that the remaining funds for the election are being interrupted without any prior justification from the ministry, as the electoral watchdog is currently in need of Rs 17 billion immediately. The ECP sources claim that the institution has penned down a reminder and approached the Ministry of Finance repeatedly for the provision of election funds, but has failed to get any positive response.
Sources claimed that the ECP chief has decided to inform the Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar and will write a detailed letter regarding the non-provision of funds. The problem of security snowfall in February can be addressed when the time comes but lack of funds from the caretaker government raises serious concerns about the future of upcoming general elections.
