In a significant development, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has proposed an amendment to the Election Rules of 2017 aimed at enhancing its authority to scrutinize the annual asset and liability statements submitted by lawmakers. The electoral body plans to introduce a new proviso under Rule 137, empowering it to directly seek clarifications whenever discrepancies or ambiguities arise in these declarations.
The proposed amendment allows the ECP to request explanations not only from the parliamentarians themselves but also from any related individuals, departments, organizations, or financial institutions involved. These entities would be obligated to respond within a timeframe set by the commission.
The notification, published on the ECP’s official website, emphasizes the necessity of this change under current circumstances. It also invites the public to submit objections or suggestions regarding the draft amendment within 15 days of its publication. All feedback received by August 15, 2026, will be reviewed and addressed by the commission following a hearing process.
Specifically, the new proviso in Rule 137 states that in cases of unclear or ambiguous asset and liability statements from members of the National Assembly or provincial assemblies, the commission may demand further clarification from the concerned parties, who are required to comply within the stipulated deadline.
Exercising its powers under Section 239 of the Elections Act 2017 and other enabling provisions, the ECP has formally published the draft amendment to increase transparency and accountability in lawmakers’ financial disclosures. The full text of the proposed changes is accessible on the commission’s website for public review and input.
