ECP asset powers sought to check lawmakers wealth details
The Election Commission of Pakistan has moved to gain stronger authority over the annual asset and liability statements filed by parliamentarians. In a fresh notification, the ECP proposed an amendment to the Election Rules 2017 that would let it dig deeper into any unclear wealth declarations submitted by members of the National Assembly and provincial assemblies.
Under the planned change, a new proviso would be added to Rule 137. If any ambiguity appears in a lawmaker’s statement of assets and liabilities, the commission could demand clarification not only from the member concerned but also from any person, department, organisation or financial institution. Those entities would be legally bound to reply within the deadline set by the ECP.
The electoral body explained that present circumstances make the amendment necessary and expedient. It has therefore published the draft change to invite public objections and suggestions. Feedback must reach the ECP Secretariat in Islamabad by 15 August 2026. After receiving the comments, the commission will hold hearings and then decide the matter.
The notification cites Section 239 of the Elections Act 2017 as the legal basis for the move. Officials stressed that the new power is meant to improve transparency and ensure that wealth statements submitted by elected representatives are accurate and complete. Once the amendment is finalised, financial institutions and government departments would no longer be able to ignore or delay responses to ECP queries.
This step marks a significant expansion of the commission’s oversight role. Until now, the ECP’s ability to verify asset details was more limited. The proposed rule aims to close that gap by giving investigators direct access to supporting information from banks and other official sources. Political observers note that clearer scrutiny of lawmakers’ finances could strengthen public trust in the electoral process.
The draft amendment has already been uploaded on the official ECP website. Anyone wishing to comment has until the middle of August to submit written objections or suggestions. The commission has promised to consider every representation before taking a final decision.
