ECP wants legal authorities to directly verify lawmakers’ financial statements

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has decided to do direct inspection of the financial statements submitted by the elected legislators.

According to the source, the ECP has suggested a modification to Section 137 of the Election Act 2017, which would allow the commission jurisdiction to immediately audit the assets and financial statements submitted by members of parliament.

The proposed amendment would authorize the ECP to take action if a lawmaker’s disclosed financial information was not compatible with known sources of income.

The proposal also says that the banks, government institutions and relevant departments would have to furnish information sought by the ECP. Failure of an institution to produce the information requested within the time range stipulated may be a breach of the law and may subject the institution to legal action.

The proposed modification has been issued by the Election Commission for public opinion and complaints and comments have been invited till the 15th of August.

The commission will consider stakeholder feedback it receives before finalising the proposed amendments.