ISLAMABAD - Caretaker Prime Minister Justice (retd) Nasirul Mulk on Monday directed the Ministry of Finance to ensure the provision of requisite funds to the Election Commission of Pakistan for timely conducting the upcoming general election.
The caretaker premier was given a briefing by the finance ministry on the current state of the national economy and the immediate steps required by the government for smooth sailing on the economic front. Justice (retd) Mulk said that the first and foremost duty of the caretaker government would be to hold timely elections and said that the funds required by ECP in this connection must be duly provided. The caretaker prime minister was also given a briefing by the secretary of foreign affairs on the overall foreign policy of the country.
Justice (retd) Mulk stressed the need for a strong and proactive foreign policy as improving the country’s image in the comity of nations would only be possible through vibrant foreign policy.
Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua along with senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs gave him the briefing on the key areas of the country’s foreign policy.
Meanwhile, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan called on the caretaker prime minister here at the Prime Minister’s Office.
The air chief felicitated Justice (retd) Mulk on assuming the office of the Prime Minister. Professional matters pertaining to the Pakistan Air Force came under discussion, a statement from the PM Media Office said.
ECP SETS UP ONLINE SCRUTINY CELL
The Election Commission on Monday set up Online Scrutiny Cell in Islamabad to facilitate returning officers in scrutiny of nomination papers of contesting candidates.
According to a press release issued by the Election Commission, the cell comprising four teams will work 24 hours till 14th of this month. It said software has also been developed connecting NADRA, FBR, NAB and State Bank of Pakistan with the Election Commission Secretariat through a safe system.
Under the online scrutiny process, returning officer will send particulars of the candidates to Election Commission through email or fax on daily basis.
After completing the scrutiny process through the software, the teams of the Cell will return details about the candidates received from all the concerned departments to the returning officers.
Meanwhile Election Commission of Pakistan has started the process of receiving nomination papers from candidates for the general elections scheduled to be held on 25th of next month.
According to the ECP spokesperson, the returning officers are receiving the nomination papers in their respective areas.
The nomination papers can be filed with the returning officers till Friday. On the same day, the ECP will publish names of the candidates.
According to the Election Commission schedule, scrutiny of nomination papers by the Returning Officers will be conducted by 14th of this month.
Last date for filing of appeals against decisions of returning officer regarding acceptance or rejection of nomination papers is 19th of this month. Revised list of candidates will be published on 27th of this month. Candidates can withdraw their candidature by 28th of the current month and then final list of candidates will be published the same day.
