Election Commission Seeks Powers to Directly Verify Assets of MPs

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has proposed amending the Election Rules 2017 to give itself the authority to directly seek clarifications on lawmakers' statements of assets and liabilities from the legislators as well as government departments, organizations, and financial institutions.

According to a draft amendment published by the ECP, the commission plans to insert a new proviso into Rule 137 of the Election Rules 2017. Under the proposed change, the ECP will be empowered to seek additional information whenever it identifies ambiguity in the annual asset and liability statements submitted by members of Parliament or provincial assemblies.

The proposed amendment would also require any person, government department, organization, or financial institution approached by the ECP to respond to its queries within the timeframe specified by the commission.

The ECP said the amendment is necessary under the current circumstances and has been published to invite public feedback. Objections or suggestions may be submitted to the ECP Secretariat in Islamabad by August 15, 2026, after which the commission will consider the proposals and hear objectors before making a final decision.

The proposed amendment has been issued under Section 239 of the Elections Act, 2017, which empowers the commission to amend the Election Rules. If approved, the new provision would strengthen the ECP's ability to verify lawmakers' annual wealth declarations by allowing it to obtain information directly from relevant entities.

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