Work on uplift projects comes to a halt

In response to a strict directive from the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) ahead of the upcoming general elections, all ongoing development schemes in Rawalpindi district have been brought to a halt.

Immediate freezing of funds for development projects has been enforced, impacting various government initiatives.

Notably, all payments, excluding salaries and pensions, have been suspended across government and autonomous institutions. These financial constraints will persist until the conclusion of the next elections. Government contractors are also prohibited from executing any further development work due to the suspension of funds. However, development schemes that have reached the final stages and have completed all necessary payments will be allowed to proceed.

Read ECP freezes funds for uplift projects

Additionally, the initiation of new development schemes have been banned in adherence to the Election Commission's guidelines.

The prohibition extends to a total of 317 district councils, metropolitan and municipal committees, annual development programmes, and development institutions’ schemes, all suspended till February 15. The ban on inaugurating new schemes has been extended to caretaker ministers, deputy commissioners, returning officers, and officers of institutions.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 24^th,  2023.