Ministry releases Rs17.4bn to ECP for elections

By Mehtab Haider
December 06, 2023

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Finance has released Rs17.4 billion to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) as the second instalment for holding the next general elections.

Earlier, the chief election commissioner summoned the federal secretary of finance and directed him to respond to the letter written by the ECP for the release of Rs17.4 billion funds in its official communication on November 14, 2023. The secretary of finance told journalists on November 16, 2023, that the Finance Ministry had released all funds to the ECP.

People line up as election officials check their ballot papers during voting in the general election at a polling station in Lahore. — AFP/File
People line up as election officials check their ballot papers during voting in the general election at a polling station in Lahore. — AFP/File

In its statement on Tuesday, the Finance Division said it has released the outstanding Rs17.4 billion to the ECP in addition to Rs10 billion released in July 2023 for the conduct of general elections in the country.

“This brings the total released amount to Rs27.4 billion for holding general elections. Finance Division remains committed to the provision of funds as and when required by the ECP,” the statement concluded.