By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: The coalition government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for an urgent cabinet meeting on Sunday to discuss whether to release funds to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for the Punjab polls scheduled for May 14, or to disregard the Supreme Court’s directives.
According to a report in Daily Dawn, the meeting will take place in Lahore at 2 pm and will address critical national issues. Most cabinet members are expected to participate in the meeting through video link.
Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb stated, “This is an important meeting on current issues. However, its agenda has not been circulated yet. Significant decisions might be taken in the huddle.”
Given the current political and constitutional crisis in the country, Prime Minister Sharif has convened the meeting on a holiday.
The meeting will discuss various issues, including the funds for Punjab elections, President Arif Alvi’s decision to return the Supreme Court Bill, and Justice Athar Minallah’s judicial note in the case of the elections. The decisions of the National Security Committee are also expected to be ratified during the meeting.
Prime Minister Sharif’s government appears to be leaning towards defying the Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial-led three-member bench’s decision to hold Punjab elections on May 14.
Sharif and the cabinet will reportedly declare that there are no funds available for the May 14 elections during the meeting. This defiance is expected to help Prime Minister Sharif’s party to build a narrative for the polls.
Copyright © 2021 Independent Pakistan | All rights reserved
