The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has issued a directive to freeze all development funds for local government institutions immediately.
The suspension will remain in effect until the results of the February 8 polls are announced. The ECP emphasized its responsibility to ensure that the elections are conducted honestly, justly, and fairly.
The ECP highlighted the importance of preventing local government institutions and cantonment boards from influencing the election results. This step is crucial to maintain the integrity of the electoral process. The commission also stressed providing a level playing field for all political parties and candidates. Therefore, local government officials are instructed to focus solely on essential services such as sanitation and cleanliness.
ECP has also barred the announcement or execution of any new development schemes, except those approved before December 15, when the election schedule was announced. Additionally, local governments and cantonment boards are prohibited from issuing tenders for these schemes without the ECP’s prior approval until the general elections conclude.
