ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly on Wednesday passed the Elections Amendment Bill, 2026, introducing changes aimed at restricting the public disclosure of parliamentarians’ assets and liabilities under specific circumstances. The move marks a significant shift in transparency rules governing elected representatives.
Under the proposed amendment to Section 138 of the Elections Act, the speaker of the National Assembly or the chairman of the Senate would be empowered to block the public release of a member’s asset declaration. However, this discretion would apply only if the presiding officer determines, through a ruling delivered in the chamber, that publication could pose a serious threat to the life or safety of the lawmaker or their family.
Conditions and time limits are outlined
According to the bill, any restriction on publication would be temporary and limited to a maximum period of one year at a time. Moreover, the lawmaker concerned would still be required to submit a complete and accurate statement of assets and liabilities confidentially to the Election Commission of Pakistan.
Supporters of the amendment argue that the provision balances transparency with personal security, particularly in cases where public disclosure could expose lawmakers or their families to risk. At the same time, they say mandatory confidential submission ensures continued oversight by the election watchdog.
Critics, however, have raised concerns that the amendment could weaken public accountability by limiting citizens’ access to financial information about their elected representatives. They caution that repeated extensions of non-disclosure periods could undermine the spirit of electoral transparency.
Next steps in legislative process
Following its passage in the National Assembly, the bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration. If approved by the upper house, it will then require the president’s assent before becoming law.
Lawmakers said the debate is expected to continue in the Senate, where the scope and safeguards of the amendment are likely to face closer scrutiny.
National Assembly passes elections amendment bill allowing temporary non-disclosure of lawmakers’ assets on security grounds, pending Senate approval.
