Cabinet refers election funds matter to parliament

Cabinet refers election funds matter to parliament

Islamabad (Web Desk): The federal cabinet on Monday approved the summary prepared by the Ministry of Finance regarding the release of funds to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for holding elections in Punjab on May 14

The cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, decided to send the matter to the parliament, observing that it was supreme and whatever decision it would make, would be acceptable.

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, confirming the development, said that the issue will be presented in the Parliament in the form of a bill — Election Charge Expenditure Bill 2023.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired the two-hour-long meeting of the federal cabinet held here at the Prime Minister House.

The cabinet discussed the detailed decisions of four judges and the court order issued with the majority of four to three.

They also held detailed consultation on the resolution passed by the National Assembly on April 6, 2023.

The law minister briefed the meeting about different constitutional and legal matters and responded to the questions of the cabinet members.

After closely reviewing all aspects and detailed consultation, the federal cabinet had unanimously directed the ministry of finance to prepare a summary according to the procedure and rules and in consultation with the Ministry of Law to take guidance from the Parliament on judicial matters.

Meanwhile, the joint session of Parliament is to be held today (Monday) at 4pm and is likely to take up the Supreme Court Practice and Procedure Bill, 2023 that was returned by President Arif Alvi without signing it.

The cabinet also discussed the president’s conduct and was of the unanimous view that he was not doing justice to his constitutional position.

The prime minister observed that the president was behaving like a worker of PTI and was serving the party’s interests.