Draft amendment to the Election Rules, 2017, would allow the ECP to directly verify lawmakers’ asset declarations through government departments, financial institutions and other relevant entities.
Pakistan’s Election Commission has proposed amendments to the Election Rules, 2017, seeking broader authority to verify the annual declarations of assets and liabilities submitted by lawmakers. The move is aimed at strengthening transparency and improving scrutiny of financial disclosures made by elected representatives.
According to an official notification, the proposed amendment would introduce a new provision to Rule 137 of the Election Rules. If implemented, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) would be able to seek clarification whenever it identifies ambiguity, inconsistency or incomplete information in asset and liability statements filed by members of the National Assembly, Senate and provincial assemblies.
Under the proposal, the commission would not be limited to seeking explanations from the concerned lawmaker. It would also have the authority to request relevant information from government departments, organizations, financial institutions or any individual holding records related to the declared assets.
The draft amendment further states that all entities approached by the ECP would be legally obligated to provide the requested information or clarification within the timeframe specified by the commission.
The ECP said the proposed changes have been drafted under the authority granted by Section 239 of the Elections Act, 2017. Before the amendment is finalized, the commission has opened the proposal for public consultation to ensure transparency and encourage stakeholder participation.
Citizens, political parties and other stakeholders have been invited to submit objections or recommendations to the ECP Secretariat in Islamabad by August 15, 2026. The commission said all submissions will be reviewed, and interested parties will be given an opportunity to present their views before a final decision is made.
About The Author
