Lawmakers asked to file asset declarations

ECP reminds public representatives to submit annual statements of assets and liabilities to fulfill legal requirement.

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan on Wednesday reminded the public representatives to submit their annual statements of assets and liabilities by September 30 to fulfill the legal requirement.

In a press statement, the commission asked the members of the parliament and four provincial assemblies to submit statements of assets and liabilities of their own, as well as their spouses and dependents.

Although there is no system of verification of the statements filed by public representatives it is a mandatory requirement under Section 42A of the Representation of the People Act, 1976 and Section 25A of the Senate (Election) Act, 1975.

The ECP can suspend a member and bar him/her from attending the proceedings of the respective house or its committees. However, such a step is an aberration.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 16^th, 2010.