ECP proposes new powers to verify lawmakers’ asset declarations

ISLAMABAD: 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 members of parliament and provincial assemblies.

According to a notification uploaded on the ECP’s official website, the electoral body has proposed inserting a new proviso into Rule 137 of the Election Rules, 2017. The amendment would empower the commission to seek explanations from lawmakers or directly approach any individual, government department, organisation or financial institution if any ambiguity is found in the wealth statements submitted by legislators.

The proposed amendment states that the concerned member, person, department, organisation or financial institution would be legally bound to provide the requested clarification within the timeframe specified by the commission.

The ECP said the amendment had become necessary under the prevailing circumstances and was being introduced under powers granted by Section 239 of the Elections Act, 2017, along with other relevant legal provisions.

“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 notification stated.

The commission has invited objections and suggestions from the public regarding the proposed amendment. Interested individuals and organisations may submit their feedback to the ECP Secretariat in Islamabad by August 15, 2026.

The notification added that all objections and suggestions received within the stipulated period would be considered by the commission after providing an opportunity for the concerned parties to be heard before a final decision is made.

According to the proposed amendment, if questions arise regarding the accuracy or completeness of a parliamentarian’s asset declaration, the ECP would have the authority to seek additional information not only from the elected representative but also from any relevant government department, organisation or financial institution.

The commission said the draft amendment has been uploaded on its official website for public consultation as part of the legal process before any changes are formally incorporated into the Election Rules, 2017.