Lawmakers agree to verify annual assets’ details

ISLAMABAD: Secretary Election Commission Ishtiaq Ahmed Khan said consensus had been evolved over verification of annual details of assets submitted by parliamentarians to their respective political parties.

Addressing a press conference here Tuesday after a consultative meeting of political parties called by the Election Commission, the secretary informed the members had also agreed to have their assets mutually verified by Auditor General and Election Commission.

He told 15 major political parties were invited to attend the meeting, adding all but PPP and PML-N had ensured their presence.

He said the meeting reviewed the expenses incurred on electioneering by candidates of National/Provincial assemblies and it had been agreed to increase the expenses of a candidate for National Assembly from Rs. 15,00,000 to Rs. 50,00,000.

While a candidate contesting for Provincial Assembly could spend upto Rs. 30,00,000 as against the previous Rs. 10,00,000, the secretary told.

He said under the New Judicial Policy, judiciary could not render services in future elections, however, the secretary added ECP would request the Supreme Court to appoint judges for holding polls.

Ishtiaq Ahmed Khan said in order to make the elections more transparent, a system of electronic voting was being implemented. ECP was all set to hold elections at any time, he added.

He told survey would be conducted in June this year for new electoral lists while census for domestic units and population would take place by December.

The secretary informed during the meeting the members agreed to suspend the membership of parliamentarians having dual nationalities.

Besides, the meeting agreed, in light of the New Judicial Policy, to appoint retired judges as Returning Officer and District Returning Officers.

Political parties would be presented a practical demonstration regarding the working of new voter machines, he said.