SBP says funds allocated but don’t have authority to release.
“If NA allows funds can be released to ECP,” state minister says.
Law minister says this issue will be resolved today.
ISLAMABAD: After a heated debate over the Supreme Court’s order to the central bank directing it to release the funds directly to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue on Monday decided to refer the issue to the cabinet as the deadline to release Rs21 billion ends today.
The Supreme Court on April 14 directed the central bank to release funds worth Rs21 billion for elections in Punjab and send an “appropriate communication” to this effect to the finance ministry by Monday (April 17).
A special meeting of the NA panel was summoned today as the deadline given to the SBP for releasing funds to the electoral body ends today.
The bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial and comprising Justice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice Munib Akhtar, conducted an in-chamber hearing last week regarding the non-implementation of its April 4 order to the federal government to release the funds and directed the central bank to release funds.
The directives came after the electoral body submitted a report informing the apex court that the Ministry of Finance has failed to release funds as ordered by the three-member bench on April 4.
At the outset of the meeting today, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Acting Governor Sima Kamil informed the NA panel the regulator has allocated Rs21 billion for the ECP to conduct polls in Punjab on the directives of the Supreme Court, however, it does not have the authority to release funds directly.
Law Minister Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar informed the panel that the Ministry of Finance had already said that it does not have sufficient funds to hold elections in Punjab on May 14.
“Spending twice on elections is not in the country’s interest”, the law minister said, adding that the apex court had directed the central bank to arrange the funds.
He maintained that the trustees of government funds are elected representatives of the people.
It should be noted that Finance Minister Ishaq Dar was also summoned by the NA body, however, he didn’t attend the meeting today as he was in Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah, according to sources.
PML-N leader Barjees Tahir added that if the central bank releases funds directly to the electoral body it will be against the law.
“How can the Supreme Court direct the SBP to release funds?” Tahir questioned, adding that if elections are held in Punjab separately it will affect the results of the general elections of the other three provinces later.
The central bank’s acting governor, addressing the criticism it received for allocating the funds, explained to the lawmakers that by allocating the funds the amount will remain in the account.
She further added that they appeared before the Supreme Court on its directive and informed the apex court that the central bank can allocate funds; however, it cannot release the funds.
Meanwhile, State Minister for Finance and Revenue Aisha Ghaus Pasha emphasised that the SBP cannot spend money without the permission of the parliament.
“If the National Assembly allows funds can be released [to the ECP],” she said, clarifying that even the Finance Division cannot spend without seeking permission from the cabinet and the lower house.
Meanwhile, the law minister said that this issue will be resolved today as cabinet and National Assembly sessions are also scheduled.
It should be noted that the summary will also be presented in the National Assembly after the approval of the cabinet.
Despite the fact that Pakistan is a significant exporter of textiles to Germany, business leaders in Pakistan need to remain updated about developing laws. A conference on textiles was organized in Karachi, and German Consul General Dr. Rudiger Lotz underlined this point at the event.
Meeting with the Qatar Businessmen Association (QBA) delegation, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif talked about strengthening economic ties and looking into new cooperation opportunities.
His Excellency Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al-Thani led the QBA delegation, which was made up of prominent businesspeople from Qatar who each represented important economic sectors. During the discussion, prominent members of Qatar’s business sector and important leaders from Pakistan discussed how to improve trade, investment, and economic ties.QBA members in attendance included Sheikh Mansoor bin Jassim Al Thani, Chairman of the Mansoor Jassim Al Thani Group; Mr. Nabil Abu Issa, CEO of Blue Salon; Mr. Khalid Ahmed Al Mannai, Executive Director of Mannai Corporation; Mr. Salah Mohammed Jaidah, Chairman MENA & Chief Country Officer of Deutsche Bank; Mr. Yousuf Ebrahim Al-Mahmoud, Director of Sendian Group; and Mr. Salah Mohammed Jaidah, Chairman MENA & Chief Country Officer of Deutsche Bank.
By highlighting the many prospects in industries like energy, infrastructure, and finance, the prime minister made Pakistan an alluring place for foreign investment.
All of these delegates showed interest in Pakistan’s economic situation, namely in the future energy, technological, and infrastructure development initiatives under consideration. Throughout the discussion, both parties looked at possible partnerships that may promote innovation, job creation, and sustainable development in both nations. The QBA members expressed interest in increasing their investments in Pakistan’s infrastructure and energy sectors in a positive response to the Prime Minister’s request. The significance of bilateral cooperation was emphasized in order to support regional economic growth and stability.
The meeting was also attended by Federal Ministers for Commerce Kam Kamal Khan, Finance and Revenue Mohammad Aurangzeb, and Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, as well as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif.