Shafaqna Pakistan: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is planning to introduce direct scrutiny of the financial statements submitted by elected lawmakers as part of proposed amendments to the country’s election laws.
According to sources, the ECP has proposed changes to Section 137 of the Election Act, 2017, seeking powers to directly examine the assets and financial declarations filed by members of parliament.
If approved, the amendment would authorize the commission to initiate action against lawmakers whose declared assets and financial information are found to be inconsistent with their known sources of income.
The proposal also requires banks, government institutions and other relevant departments to furnish information requested by the ECP. Any institution that fails to provide the required details within the stipulated timeframe could be deemed in violation of the law and may face legal proceedings.
The Election Commission has released the proposed amendment for public consultation and invited objections and suggestions until August 15.
The commission will review the feedback received from stakeholders before finalising the proposed changes.
Source: Dunya News
