The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has proposed changes to the Election Rules 2017 that would allow it to directly seek information from lawmakers, government departments, organizations, and financial institutions to verify annual asset and liability declarations.
The move is aimed at strengthening transparency and improving the verification process for elected representatives’ wealth statements.
The proposed amendment is important because it could give the ECP broader powers to investigate discrepancies in asset declarations submitted by members of Parliament and provincial assemblies, reinforcing accountability in Pakistan’s electoral system.
Key Details
The ECP has published a draft amendment proposing the insertion of a new proviso into Rule 137 of the Election Rules 2017.
If approved, the commission will be able to request additional information whenever it identifies ambiguity or inconsistency in the annual statements of assets and liabilities filed by lawmakers.
Under the proposal, the ECP will also have the authority to obtain relevant information directly from:
- Members of Parliament and provincial assemblies
- Government departments
- Public and private organizations
- Financial institutions
The amendment further requires all entities approached by the commission to provide the requested information within the timeframe specified by the ECP.
Public Consultation Underway
The Election Commission said the proposed amendment has been published to invite public feedback before being finalized.
Interested individuals and organizations can submit objections or suggestions to the ECP Secretariat in Islamabad by August 15, 2026.
After the consultation period ends, the commission will review the recommendations, hear objectors where necessary, and decide whether to formally adopt the amendment.
Background
Under Pakistan’s electoral laws, members of the National Assembly, Senate, and provincial assemblies are required to submit annual statements detailing their assets and liabilities.
These declarations are intended to promote transparency and public accountability by disclosing lawmakers’ financial interests. However, the ECP’s ability to independently verify the information has remained limited, often relying on the documents submitted by legislators.
The proposed amendment seeks to strengthen the verification process by enabling the commission to independently seek clarifications from relevant institutions when questions arise.
What This Means
If the amendment is approved, the ECP would gain stronger oversight powers over lawmakers’ wealth declarations.
Election and governance experts say the proposal could improve the credibility of asset declaration requirements by enabling the commission to verify information directly instead of relying solely on self-reported disclosures.
The move also aligns with broader efforts to strengthen transparency and accountability in Pakistan’s electoral framework.
What’s Next?
The ECP will continue receiving public comments until August 15, 2026.
Following the consultation process, the commission will examine the feedback and determine whether to adopt the amendment under Section 239 of the Elections Act, 2017, which authorizes it to amend the Election Rules.
If approved, the revised rule will become part of the Election Rules 2017, giving the ECP expanded powers to verify lawmakers’ annual asset declarations.
“The amendment is necessary under the current circumstances,” the Election Commission said while inviting public feedback on the proposed changes.
FAQ
What changes has the ECP proposed?
The ECP wants the authority to directly seek clarifications and supporting information on lawmakers’ asset declarations from legislators, government departments, organizations, and financial institutions.
When is the deadline for public feedback?
The commission has invited objections and suggestions until August 15, 2026.
Why is the amendment important?
The proposal aims to strengthen transparency by giving the ECP greater authority to verify annual asset and liability statements submitted by elected representatives.
