LAHORE, July 7(ABC): The Election Commission of Pakistan on Thursday suspended Punjab Chief Minister Hamza Shahbaz’s electricity relief package “Roshan Gharana Programme” which offers free electricity to households that consume up to 100 units till July 17.
Hamza had announced earlier this week that the provincial government will bear the power cost of households that consume up to 100 units of electricity in a month.
However, a three-member bench of the ECP headed by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja issued a stay order against the implementation over the CM’s announcement after hearing arguments from the Punjab chief minister in today’s hearing.
The hearing was held after the Commission issued a notice to Hamza, seeking his reply for the alleged violation of the electoral code of conduct by announcing free electricity for a specific group of consumers in the province ahead of the by-elections slated to be held on July 17.
The electoral watchdog had sought a reply from the provincial chief executive on July 7.
The reply submitted by Hamza’s counsel stated that the CM’s relief package is for entire province except for constituencies where by-polls are being held.
“No election is being staged in areas where Gujranwala Electric Power Company (GEPCO) supplies electric power,” Hamza’s counsel maintained.
He said that nine million consumers will benefit from the programme. However, he added that the programme hasn’t been planned but included in the approved provincial budget with an allocation of Rs100 billion.
The counsel further stated that the purpose of this programme is not to attract voters.
“Would it also be political if we reduce the electricity price on July 15?” he asked.