CJP, top intel officers take up election security issue

Country’s top intelligence officers including the ISI director general have called on Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial to discuss the issue of providing security during the elections in Punjab, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Tuesday.

According to sources, those who met the CJP included Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) director general, Military Intelligence (MI) director general, Military Operations (MO) director general and defence secretary.

The meeting which lasted for over three hours was held in CJP’s chamber on Monday.

Justice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice Muneeb Akhtar were also present in the CJP’s chamber during the meeting.

The intelligence officers updated the top justices about the country’s security situation, the sources said.

The Supreme Court had earlier sought a report from the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) about security provision during the elections by April 17.

ECP tells SC funds not received

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) Tuesday submitted a report to the Supreme Court (SC), stating that it had not received funds for holding elections in Punjab from the State Bank.

The apex court had ordered the submission of a progress report regarding the provision of funds for elections in Punjab.

The second deadline set by the Supreme Court for releasing funds to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for elections in Punjab was also expired.

The Supreme Court had ordered the State Bank to release the funds by April 17 during an in-chamber hearing on April 14 last.

The State Bank had been ordered to release the funds directly.

State Bank’s response

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) also submitted its report to the Supreme Court on Monday regarding transfer of funds for elections.

According to the sources, the SBP’s report contained reasons about non-transfer of the funds.

State Bank officials filed the report in the office of the Supreme Court’s Registrar.

Reporter Amanat Gishkori