ISLAMABAD
National Assembly standing committee for finance has rejected the mini bill regarding the provision of fund to Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to hold polls in Punjab and Khyber PK.
Standing committee for finance expressed surprise over the bill regarding provision of funds to ECP and said such a type of bill never ever tabled before committee.
Chairman standing committee said committee unanimously rejects the bill.
According to details Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh chaired meeting of national assembly standing committee for finance yesterday (Thursday).
In the start of meeting chairman said before meeting he wants to talk some members in separation. He said this is an important matter so we have to make plan.
Member committee Khalid Magsi said members are waiting from 10:30am so start the meeting.
State minister for finance Aisha Ghosa Pasha briefed the committee.
Aisha Ghos Pasha said this year five billion are allocated for ECP but now Supreme Court of Pakistan (SCP) ordered to provide 21 billion more to ECP. That is why demand was brought to mini bill.
Committee member Sabir Qaim Khani inquired that why mini bill brought this time.
State minister replied parliament consent is required for federal consolidate fund’s approval for this huge amount.
Chairman committee also asked no such a bill was brought in past why it is needed now, why this need occurred to bring mini bill.
Law ministry authority told committee that after tabling bill to parliament it will be automatically presented in national assembly standing committee.
Chairmen committee said this was not seen in last ten years.
Committee member Barjees Tahir said mini bill never was presented in national assembly standing committee for finance.
Chairman committee said standing committee’s decision is that committee will not approve any government bill until finance ministry himself appear and brief the committee.
Finance minister come to brief the committee and answer their questions.
Committee member Khalid Magsi said if Punjab election held before other provinces then they will effect elections in other provinces.
Huge deficit was taken from previous government. Former government was functioning government from debts, State minister for finance said; Our financial situation is under pressure. Situation is worse due to recent floods. National economy is under huge pressure.
Country is facing unusual situation, said committee member Barjees Tahir, telephone calls ranged from many palces to say that you have to come to meeting tomorrow. Eight judges also sat in supreme court.
Prime minister ordered to establish nine more passport office, he said, finance ministry is not issuing these 1.1 million for that. Finance ministry’s stance is that they have no funds.
General elections should not be held in such situation nor funds should be issued, Barjees Tahir concluded, funds should be given for general elections to held on same time.
After that standing committee rejected bill regarding provision of funds to ECP. Decision was made unanimously and said committee rejects this bill.
Standing committee rejected bill by passing resolution unanimously.
