The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has stirred controversy by urging the caretaker government to halt the privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) less than a week before the general election. In a letter addressed to the cabinet secretary, the ECP cited Section 230 of the Constitution, directing the caretaker government to refrain from taking actions related to PIA privatization, including signing agreements.
The legal basis for the objection stems from Clause 5(b) of the Privatisation Commission Ordinance, 2000, and Section 230 of the Constitution. Emphasizing the need for transparency, the ECP has requested the caretaker government to furnish all relevant documents prepared for Cabinet approval regarding the privatization program.
This objection follows the ECP’s previous move to obstruct the restructuring of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), advising the caretaker government to defer major reforms until consideration by the new government post-election.
Asserting its constitutional role under Article 218(3), the ECP claims responsibility to conduct elections and highlights its obligation to delineate actions the caretaker government should refrain from, as outlined in Section 230 of the Constitution.
The objection, occurring in the midst of a heightened political context leading up to the general election, emphasizes the sensitivity surrounding significant policy decisions during the caretaker government’s tenure.
By categorizing the FBR overhaul as a major policy decision, the ECP underscores that such decisions should be the prerogative of an elected government.
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