Pakistan Election Body Halts 159 Lawmakers Over Asset Disclosure Lapse

Pakistan's Election Commission has suspended 159 lawmakers from both federal and provincial assemblies for not submitting their annual asset declarations by the January 15 deadline. The suspended members include high-profile figures like Education Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui. Their membership will be reinstated once compliance is achieved.

In a significant move, Pakistan's top election body has suspended 159 lawmakers for failing to submit their annual asset and liability details by the stipulated deadline. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) announced this action on Friday, highlighting the inaction after the January 15 legal deadline.

The ECP emphasized the mandatory compliance under Section 137 of the Elections Act, 2017, which requires members of the National Assembly, Senate, and provincial legislatures to disclose their financial information annually. With non-compliance, the ECP stated the legislators must cease to function as members until they fulfill this obligation.

Prominent figures such as Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Education Minister, and Musadik Malik, Minister for Climate Change, are among those affected. The suspensions span across various assemblies, including 50 from Punjab and 33 from Sindh. The membership is set for reinstatement upon submission of the required details.

(With inputs from agencies.)