The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has instructed the freezing of all development funds for local government institutions until the results of the February 8 polls are announced. This decision is aimed at preventing any actions that could influence the election results and to ensure a level playing field for all political parties and candidates. The ECP has also directed local government functionaries to focus on essential day-to-day matters, such as sanitation and cleanliness, and to hold off on announcing or executing any new development schemes. Furthermore, local governments and cantonment boards are prohibited from issuing tenders for new schemes without prior approval from the commission.