Senators face suspension for defying ECP orders

Bigwigs including Yousaf Raza Gillani, Faisal Sabzwari, Musadik Malik yet to submit statement of assets, liabilities

ISLAMABAD:

In a stern warning issued on Monday, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) cautioned more than two dozen Senate members that their membership could be suspended should they fail to furnish their statement of assets and liabilities by January 15.

The ECP while naming 28 legislators stated that non-compliance would result in the suspension of their membership effective January 16. Among the 28 legislators from the upper house named by the ECP, notable bigwigs including former premier Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani are at the forefront of those who have not yet submitted their asset statements.

Prominent politicians such as Raza Rabbani, Taj Haider, Nisar Khuro, Musadik Masood Malik, and Syed Faisal Ali Subzwari are also listed among the senators who are yet to comply with the requirement.

Among others, Shaheen Khalid, Aon Abbas, Nuzhat Sadiq, Muhammad Ali Shah Jamot, Imamuddin Shouqeen, Khalida Ateeb, Sabir Shah, ex-member Shaukat Tarin; who resigned on December 12, 2023; Liaqat Khan Tarakai, Hidayatullah Khan, Attaur Rehman, Zeeshan Khanzada, Sania Nishtar, Dost Muhammad Khan, Gurdeep Singh, Hidayatullah, Abdul Qadir, Muhammad Qasim, Samina Mumtaz, Saeed Ahmed Hashmi and Danesh Kumar

.In a statement, the ECP stated that the members of the parliament and provincial assemblies were required to submit to the ECP by December 31, 2023, a copy of a statement of assets and liabilities including assets and liabilities of their spouse(s) and dependent children as on the preceding 30th day of June on Form-B which is a mandatory requirement under Section 137 of the Elections Act, 2017.

After naming the Senators, the ECP maintained that they have not yet complied with the afore-stated legal provision and are hereby informed that they shall submit their statements of assets and liabilities by January 15, 2024, during office hours.

“Failing which their membership shall be suspended on 16th January 2024 by the Election Commission of Pakistan in accordance with Section 137 (3) of the Elections Act, 2017,” it added.

Also, the statement added that the case of ex-members of the Senate, National Assembly and provincial assemblies of Sindh and Balochistan whose statements of assets and liabilities are not received by January 15, 2024, shall be placed before the Commission for appropriate orders.