ECP begins process for audit of lawmakers’ assets

ISLAMABAD: The Directorate of Political Finance of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has started the process for scrutiny of statement of assets and liabilities of the legislators, and, as a specimen, ten such cases (representing each sector, including industry, business and agriculture) will be put before the Commission on Monday.

“We began the exercise Thursday, sat today [Friday] and will be in office for this purpose Saturday and Sunday, as classification of documents of over 1,100 legislators is also being carried out,” a senior ECP said, while talking to The News here.

He maintained that side by side with the classified statement of assets and liabilities of the members of Parliament and the four provincial assemblies, the directorate would be eager to know what the ECP would decide on the ten selected cases, being furnished for presentation on Monday.

The ECP formally approved the summary for scrutiny of fortunes and liabilities (for the financial year 2015-2016) of the lawmakers early this week.

Meanwhile, the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Justice (R) Sardar Muhammad Raza has said inclusive elections are the fair elections where every citizen of Pakistan including persons with disabilities is able to play his or her role.

He stated at the seminar held at the ECP to mark the international day of persons with disabilities. An initiative of the ECP's Gender and Disability Electoral Working Group, the seminar was aimed at promotion and inclusion of persons with disabilities in the electoral processes.

The CEC referred to the equality of all citizens under Article 25 of the Constitution of Pakistan and highlighted the significance of a concerted effort by all stakeholders including the ECP, civil society organisations, media and political parties.

ECP Secretary Babar Yaqoob Fateh Muhammad said that the Commission was striving to create conducive environment for the marginalised groups for equal representation and participation in the electoral process. “ECP welcomes partners both from within and outside the country to work along with us to promote inclusive elections,” he maintained. 

He said that the ECP was planning to have all polling stations accessible in the next general election. Head of DFID, Joanna Reid, congratulated the ECP for organising the event and said that the "UK remains committed to supporting the social and economic development of Pakistan".

She emphasised that participation in electoral and political processes was crucial for persons with disabilities to have a voice in decision-making processes. She added, “We must continue to work together to ensure that all persons with disabilities who are of voting age are registered as voters and have access to voting.”

Speaking on the occasion, Shabir Ahmed, Country Director IFES, Atif Sheikh Chief Executive STEP highlighted the evolution of disability rights movement in international perspective and referred to the  various recommendations of the civil society and they contended that inclusion should be at the core of election planning and implementation.

Zafar lqbal Hussain, Additional Secretary (Training) ECP, presented vote of thanks.