ECC Releases Only Rs2 Billion of Rs18.5 Billion Sought for Local Polls
ECC Releases Only Rs2 Billion of Rs18.5 Billion Sought for Local Polls
The ECC approves Rs18.5 billion for local government elections but has released only Rs2 billion for immediate use, despite the Election Commission of Pakistan pressing for the full amount. The decision came at a meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee chaired by Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb on Thursday.
ECC approves Rs18.5 billion: where the money goes
The commission cleared a Rs18.5 billion package for the local government elections while authorising the immediate release of just Rs2 billion. The ECP had asked for the entire sum at once: it needs roughly Rs12 billion for the Punjab local elections due in December and another Rs4 billion next week.
The package includes Rs596.2 million for local government by-elections in Sindh and Balochistan along with delimitation work in Punjab, and Rs17.8 billion for election materials across Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad and the cantonment boards.
Nearly Rs57 billion in supplementary grants
Beyond the election funding, the ECC approved supplementary grants totalling nearly Rs57 billion. Among the bigger items: Rs11.3 billion for the closure of the Utility Stores Corporation, Rs10 billion for the Thar Coal Rail Connectivity Project, Rs8 billion for the Public Private Partnership Authority, Rs4 billion for restructuring PRAL and the FBR, Rs2 billion for the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority, and Rs1.7 billion for training 1,000 agricultural professionals in China.
The committee also approved Rs300 million for the Capital Development Authority for repairs to the Prime Minister’s Office and the PM Staff Colony, even though an austerity ban on such procurements is in force. Smaller allocations included Rs934.5 million for the Pakistan Sports Endowment Fund and Rs150 million for participation in COP31 in Antalya. A matter relating to Passco’s receivables was deferred.
New duties on tyres and motorcycle parts
On the revenue side, the ECC approved an 11 per cent additional customs duty on tyre imports, and duties of 11 and 31 per cent on motorcycle parts. The measures are expected to raise revenue and offer protection to domestic manufacturers.
Why it matters
The partial release of election funds sets up a fresh round of back-and-forth between the finance ministry and the ECP, which faces a hard December deadline in Punjab. The Rs57 billion supplementary package also shows the government’s willingness to keep spending on priority projects while holding the line on immediate cash releases.
Frequently asked questions
How much did the ECC approve for local polls?
The ECC approved Rs18.5 billion for local government elections but released only Rs2 billion immediately, against the ECP’s demand for the full amount.
What else did the ECC approve?
Supplementary grants of nearly Rs57 billion, including funds for the Utility Stores closure, Thar Coal rail connectivity, the PPP Authority, FBR restructuring and sports, plus new customs duties on tyres and motorcycle parts.
When are the Punjab local elections due?
The ECP needs about Rs12 billion for the Punjab local government elections scheduled for December, with another Rs4 billion required next week.
