ECP seeks powers to verify lawmakers’ asset declarations

Islamabad: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is proposing a significant amendment to the Election Rules 2017, granting it the authority to seek direct clarification on the asset and liability declarations submitted by lawmakers. In a notification, the ECP revealed its intention to incorporate a new proviso into Rule 137.

Under this proposal, should there be any confusion in a lawmaker's wealth statement, the commission has the power to request clarification from the member themselves or from any entity, department, organization, or financial institution. The ECP has noted that these entities are obligated to respond to the queries within a timeframe set by the commission.

The amendment is currently under public consultation, with objections and suggestions being invited until August 15. Following this period, the commission will review the feedback and make its final decision accordingly. This draft amendment has been uploaded on the ECP's official website. The proposal is particularly relevant as the ECP is currently addressing three cases against Mehmood Khan Achakzai, the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly and the chief of the Pakistan Muslim League (PNM). One of these cases involves his wealth declaration.

This proposed amendment is anticipated to come into effect once formally notified. Once implemented, it will legally obligate lawmakers and the relevant entities to provide information to the ECP within a specified timeframe. This news was published in Dawn on August 6th, 2026.