ISLAMABAD: The Federal cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, met in emergency on Sunday to discuss the recent political and constitutional crises in the country.
Although the media was not informed about the meeting’s agenda, sources suggest that the primary purpose of the meeting was to approve decisions made at the National Security Council (NSC) meeting.
One of the main topics of discussion was the political situation in the country following the Supreme Court judge Justice Athar Minallah’s dissenting note. Additionally, the cabinet aimed to strategize addressing President Dr Arif Alvi’s refusal to assent to the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Bill 2023.
Just yesterday, PM Shehbaz Sharif said the return of the Supreme Court bill duly passed by the Parliament was most unfortunate, adding that through his conduct, he has belittled the august Office by acting as a worker of the PTI, one who is beholden to Imran Niazi more than the Constitution & demands of his Office.
The meeting also focused on the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and whether funds should be released to them for holding the polls in Punjab on May 14. The cabinet members deliberated on the issue, and a decision is expected to be made soon.
The Supreme Court had directed the Finance Ministry to allocate Rs. 10 billion to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) by April 10, to conduct elections in Punjab. Additionally, the ECP was instructed to present a report regarding the matter on April 11.
The cabinet meeting has attracted significant attention from political analysts and the media at home and abroad, as it is seen as a crucial step towards resolving the political and constitutional crises that have been gripping the country for last couple of months.
