SC orders SBP to release Rs21 billion for Punjab elections

ISLAMABAD (92 News) - The Supreme Court on Friday ordered to release Rs21 billion for the elections in Punjab.

A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial heard the application regarding a delay in the release of funds for the elections in his chamber. Justice Ejazul Ahsan and Justice Muneeb Akhtar were also included in the bench.

Officers of the Finance Ministry, Attorney General, SBP and ECP secretary were also present during the in-chamber hearing.

According to sources, the court ordered the Finance Ministry to extend help in the release of funds. The sources said that the Finance Ministry informed the court about the bad economic conditions in the country, citing a huge volume of foreign debt. Meanwhile, the court sought a report on the funds till Monday. The SC also sought a report from the ECP regarding security.

Earlier, the federal government told court that the court orders had been implemented. "The Act of the Parliament is needed for releasing funds from the Federal Consolidated Fund. The bill has been rejected by the parliament, while the federal government has no power to release the funds. The federal government cannot order the SBP to release the funds," it stated.