ECP seeks powers to verify lawmakers’ asset declarations

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has proposed an amendment to the Election Rules 2017 to empower it to seek direct clarification on statements of assets and liabilities submitted by lawmakers. In a notification, the ECP said it intended to insert a new proviso in Rule 137. Under the proposed change, if there is any ambiguity in the wealth statement of a parliamentarian or an MPA, the commission may seek clarification from the member, or from any person, department, organisation or financial institution. Such entities “shall be bound to respond to the query/clarification within time fixed by the commission,” according to the draft. The ECP has published the draft amendment for public consultation and invited objections and suggestions by Aug 15. The commission will hear and decide the objections thereafter. The draft has been uploaded on the ECP’s official website. The move comes as the ECP is hearing three cases against Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly and PkMAP chief Mehmood Khan Achakzai, one of which pertains to his statement of assets and liabilities. The cases are scheduled for hearing on Aug 19 — four days after the deadline for objections. Once formally notified, the amendment will legally bind lawmakers and relevant institutions to provide information to the ECP within a stipulated timeframe. Published in Dawn, August 6th, 2026