ISLAMABAD –
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Thursday banned the issuance of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for new housing societies, making commission approval necessary even in cases of urgency. The ECP’s notification stated that while the caretaker government has the capability to manage routine operational emergencies, it is advisable to refrain from making significant policy decisions. The ECP’s notice highlights a growing concern – changes in land usage initiated by the provincial government across various districts.
The issuance of NOCs by deputy commissioners to multiple housing societies has begun to compromise vital green spaces and productive agricultural land. This trend could potentially lead to disorderly and unplanned residential expansion, accompanied by possible corruption concerns in specific regions. The responsibility of devising an appropriate policy to tackle this challenge falls squarely on the shoulders of the elected government, bypassing the caretaker government. Consequently, an immediate cessation of new NOC issuance is urged, with a directive to communicate this decision to all deputy commissioners.
In instances where the caretaker government identifies pressing matters in this context or any other, they are expected to present a well-justified case for review and approval by the commission before any action is taken. Upholding the commission’s legal mandate and guidelines is a fundamental expectation from the caretaker government as they fulfil their duties.
Earlier,
Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) said on Thursday the general elections in the country could not be held within 90 days.
In a statement issued here, a meeting of the electoral watchdog was held with Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja in the chair. The meeting decided to conduct fresh delimitations across the country for the next general elections.
The ECP said the delimitation process would take at least four months. The ECP also issued a notification to the effect.
The meeting decided that elections would be held under the new delimitations and also announced the schedule for the new delimitations.
“The delimitation process will be completed in about four months, hence the general elections will not be held within 90 days,” said the ECP statement.
The election commission approved the new delimitation according to the seventh national census. It has sought assistance from the provincial governments and the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.
The final publication of the delimitations will be on Dec 14.
ECP sets deadline for political parties to submit financial statements
Earlier, the Election Commission directed political parties to submit their consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year 2022-23 by August 29.
As stated by the ECP spokesperson, political parties were obligated under Section 210 of the Elections Act, 2017, in conjunction with Section 204 of the same Act, along with rules 159 and 160 of the Election Rules, 2017, to submit their financial statements for the fiscal year ending on June 30th no later than August 29th, 2023.
As a reminder, Section 210 of the Elections Act, 2017 stipulates that a political party must, following the outlined procedure, furnish the Commission with a consolidated audited financial statement within 60 days after the conclusion of a financial year.
This statement, documented on Form-D, should encompass yearly income and expenses, fund sources, as well as asset and liability information.
The report that needs to be provided to the ECP must include an accountant’s audit report of the political party’s accounts, along with a certificate signed by an authorized party member, as designated by the party head.
The ECP emphasised the importance of avoiding overwriting. They also instructed that the membership or certificate from ICAP for the engaged Auditor should be attached to Form-D, along with the most recent valid renewal certificate.
