ECP seeks new powers to scrutinise lawmakers’ asset statements

• ECP proposes amendment to Election Rules 2017.
• ECP may seek details from financial institutions.
• ECP sets August 15 deadline for feedback.

ISLAMABAD: In a major development, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has proposed an amendment to the Election Rules, 2017, seeking powers to directly obtain clarifications regarding the annual statements of assets and liabilities submitted by lawmakers.

A notification, uploaded on the ECP website, says that the electoral body intends to insert a new proviso in Rule 137. Under the proposed change, if there is any ambiguity in a parliamentarian’s wealth statement, then the ECP may seek clarification from the member, or from any person, department, organisation or financial institution, The News reported on Thursday.

“The present circumstances so warrant, and it is considered expedient to amend Rule 137 of the Election Rules 2017 by inserting a new proviso. The proposed amendment is required to be published to invite objections or suggestions from the public, which may be submitted within 15 days from the date of publication. Any objections or suggestions received within the stipulated period shall be considered and decided by the commission after providing an opportunity of hearing…,’’ it said.

The notification read, “New proposed proviso in Rule 137 of the Elections Rules 2017: Provided that in case of any ambiguity in the statement of assets and liabilities submitted by the parliamentarians or member provincial assemblies, the commission may seek further clarification from the members, person, department, organisation or financial institution, who shall be bound to respond to the query clarification within time fixed by the commission”,

“…in exercise of its powers conferred under Section 239 of the Elections Act 2017 and all other powers enabling it in that behalf, the Election Commission hereby publishes the aforesaid draft amendments. Objections or suggestions in respect of the proposed amendment may be filed in the ECP secretariat, Islamabad, by 15th August 2026, which will be decided by the commission after hearing the objectors. The draft amendment is uploaded on the official website of the commission, i.e. www ecp.gov.pk,’’ it notes.

It is stated that such entities “shall be bound to respond to the query/ clarification within the time fixed by the Commission”.