The Election Commission of Pakistan has proposed amending the Election Rules 2017 to grant itself direct authority to scrutinize lawmakers’ asset declarations and compel government departments, financial institutions, and other organizations to hand over relevant records.
Under a draft amendment published by the commission, a new proviso would be inserted into Rule 137, empowering the ECP to seek clarifications whenever it finds ambiguity in the annual statements of assets and liabilities filed by members of Parliament and provincial assemblies.
The proposed change goes further: any person, government department, organization, or financial institution approached by the ECP would be legally bound to respond within the timeframe set by the commission, giving the electoral watchdog teeth it currently lacks.
The ECP said the amendment has become necessary under prevailing circumstances and has invited public feedback on the proposal. Objections and suggestions must reach the ECP Secretariat in Islamabad by August 15, 2026, after which the commission will review submissions and hear objectors before making a final decision.
The amendment has been moved under Section 239 of the Elections Act, 2017, which allows the commission to amend the Election Rules. If approved, the new provision would significantly strengthen the ECP’s ability to verify lawmakers’ wealth declarations by enabling it to obtain information directly from banks, tax authorities, and other relevant entities — a step that could make the asset disclosure regime far more meaningful than the current largely self-reported system.
