- Punjab government’s secretive projects raise concerns.
- ECP warns against illegal decisions.
- Lack of transparency persists in Punjab’s actions.
Lahore, Today in a concerning turn of events, neither the interim government of Punjab nor the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) seem willing to provide transparency regarding the projects authorised. This situation raises questions about their compliance with the law and their respective roles.
On August 17, the ECP further took a significant step by writing a letter to the chief secretary of Punjab, cautioning against illegal measures taken by the government. The letter cited Section 230(2)(a) of the Election Act 2017 and subsequent guidelines issued by the ECP. Emphasizing that the caretaker government’s authority is limit to urgent day-to-day affairs and should not involve major policy decisions.
The ECP’s letter went on to outline some of the questionable decisions being made within the province. It was noted that the Punjab government was approving substantial changes in land use in various districts, with deputy commissioners issuing. No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for housing societies.
This unchecked alteration of green areas and the potential conversion of agricultural land raised concerns about the chaotic expansion of residential areas. The ECP also hinted at the possibility of corruption in certain areas.
The ECP reminds the caretaker Punjab government that such policy decisions should formulate by an elected government and not the interim administration. Accordingly, it instructed the Punjab government to cease the issuance of new NOCs. Also to immediately direct its deputy commissioners accordingly.
Election Commission orders to caretaker Chief Minister, Punjab pic.twitter.com/qDU0fYpqhD
— Spokesperson ECP (@SpokespersonECP) August 18, 2023
The Punjab government and approached Ali Nawaz Malik, the secretary of information Punjab. For information regarding the projects that the ECP deemed illegal and unconstitutional. In response, Malik stated that, the Punjab government had not issued any NOC for a housing society in the province. When asked to elaborate on the ECP’s concerns, Malik did not provide further information.
Even a month after the issuance of the letter, the nature of these projects compromising Punjab’s agricultural land remains unclear. It is uncertain whether these projects halt following the ECP’s intervention. As transparency and communication between the parties involved remain elusive.