ECP seeks powers to verify lawmakers’ asset declarations

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has proposed an amendment to the Election Rules 2017 to empower it to seek direct clarification on statements of assets and liabilities submitted by lawmakers. In a notification, the ECP said it intended to insert a new proviso in Rule 137. Under the proposed change, if there is any ambiguity in the wealth statement of a parliamentarian or an MPA, the commission may seek clarification from the member, or from any person, department, organisation or financial institution. Such entities “shall be bound to respond to the query/clarification within time fixed by the commission,” according to the draft. The ECP has published the draft…