ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) Secretary wrote a letter to the caretaker government to stop them from carrying out fundamental reforms in the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
The letter said that the purpose of these reforms is to improve the performance of the institutions and the government.
The jurisdiction of the caretaker government is limited under Section 230 of the Election Act, the scope of the caretaker government has been clarified in Section 230.
The ECP wrote a letter to the Secretary to prime minister Khurram Agha saying that the jurisdiction of the caretaker government is clear in the Constitution and the Election Act.
“Under Section 200 of the Election Act, the caretaker government can carry out day-to-day affairs, restructuring and reforming the FBR is a major policy decision,” the letter reads.
The ECP suggested that the caretaker prime minister should leave this important policy initiative to the next elected government and avoid major reforms in the FBR.
The letter further states that it is the constitutional responsibility of the Election Commission to monitor actions beyond the prescribed responsibilities of the caretaker government.
Earlier, the federal cabinet, presided over by Caretaker Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar, convened to address crucial matters concerning the upcoming elections, unanimously approved the deployment of both the Army and Civil Armed Forces during the polls, with the Army set to function as the Red Response Force in sensitive constituencies to ensure a secure and orderly electoral process.
The decision comes following the submission of a summary by the Federal Ministry of Interior, outlining the need for military services to maintain a secure electoral environment.
As per the approved summary, a substantial contingent of 277,000 officers and personnel from the Pakistan Army will be deployed for election duties. Additionally, Rangers and Frontier Corps (FC) personnel will also be stationed to support security measures during the general elections. Sources indicate that these combined forces, comprising the army and civil armed forces, will function as a quick response force in sensitive areas.
With the general elections scheduled for February 8, preparations have reached their final stages. The Election Commission, in its readiness efforts, has frozen the funds of all local government departments to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process.
Alongside election-related matters, the federal cabinet also conducted a thorough review of the summary pertaining to the restructuring of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). Despite comprehensive discussions, a conclusive decision on FBR restructuring was not reached during the cabinet meeting.
In response, the Prime Minister has taken proactive measures by establishing a committee tasked with further consideration of the proposed reforms within the FBR, aiming to enhance organizational efficiency.
