In a significant move aimed at strengthening transparency and accountability, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has proposed amendments to the Election Rules, 2017, seeking broader powers to scrutinise the annual statements of assets and liabilities submitted by members of parliament and provincial assemblies.
Under the proposed changes, the ECP would be able to directly seek clarifications not only from elected representatives but also from individuals, government departments, organisations and financial institutions if any ambiguity is found in their asset declarations.
Proposed Amendment to Rule 137
According to a notification issued by the ECP and uploaded on its official website, the commission intends to insert a new proviso into Rule 137 of the Election Rules, 2017.
The proposed amendment would empower the electoral watchdog to request additional information whenever questions arise regarding the accuracy or completeness of an asset declaration submitted by a lawmaker.
Under the draft proposal, the ECP could seek clarification from:
- The concerned parliamentarian or provincial assembly member
- Any individual linked to the matter
- Government departments
- Public or private organisations
- Financial institutions
The amendment further states that all entities approached by the commission would be legally required to provide the requested information within the timeframe specified by the ECP.
Purpose of the Proposed Changes
The Election Commission said the current circumstances necessitate amendments to the existing rules to improve the verification process of lawmakers’ wealth statements.
The commission believes that the proposed powers would enable it to address discrepancies, ambiguities or unanswered questions more effectively while examining annual declarations of assets and liabilities.
Asset declarations are considered an important mechanism for ensuring public accountability, as elected representatives are required to disclose details of their assets, liabilities and financial interests each year.
Public Feedback Invited
In accordance with legal requirements, the ECP has published the draft amendment for public consultation before its final approval.
The notification states that citizens, stakeholders and relevant organisations may submit objections or suggestions regarding the proposed amendment within 15 days of its publication.
The deadline for submitting feedback has been set as August 15, 2026.
The commission said any objections or recommendations received within the stipulated period would be reviewed and decided after providing an opportunity for a hearing to those concerned.
Legal Basis for the Amendment
The proposed amendment has been issued under the powers granted to the Election Commission through Section 239 of the Elections Act, 2017, which authorises the commission to make rules for carrying out the purposes of the law.
The notification states that the commission is exercising its authority under the Elections Act and other relevant legal provisions to introduce the amendment.
Greater Transparency in Asset Verification
If approved, the amendment would significantly enhance the ECP’s ability to independently verify information contained in lawmakers’ asset declarations.
Currently, the commission largely relies on disclosures submitted by elected representatives. The proposed change would allow it to seek supporting information directly from third parties, including banks and other financial institutions, whenever inconsistencies or ambiguities are identified.
Observers say the move could strengthen oversight of public office holders and improve confidence in the asset declaration system by providing the ECP with more effective tools to verify financial disclosures.
The proposed amendment is now open for public consultation, after which the Election Commission will decide whether to formally incorporate the changes into the Election Rules, 2017.
