Islamabad, Jan 21 (.) Pakistan’s National Assembly on Wednesday passed the elections amendment bill, 2026, enabling secrecy over the financial assets and liabilities of lawmakers, legally barring them from public disclosure if the publication of assets is considered a serious threat to the lives and safety of them and their families.
The bill amends Section 138 of the Pakistan Elections Act, which introduces a provision that empowers the speaker of both houses of parliament to rule that a member’s statement of assets and liabilities should not be made public for a limited period.
Under the proposal, such a restriction could be imposed for up to one year at a time.
According to the text adopted by the National Assembly of Pakistan, the exemption would apply only if public disclosure “would pose a serious threat to the life or safety of the member or his family.”
Even in such cases, the lawmaker’s assets “would be subject to the condition that a complete and true statement of assets and liabilities shall be submitted confidentially to the Election Commission.”
The bill, proving to be more complex than initially expected has invited both supporters and detractors.
Those advocating for the bill’s passing argue that it addresses genuine security concerns faced by some parliamentarians, particularly in volatile political or security environments. Critics, however, raise concerns over the weakening of public transparency and oversight by allowing elected officials to legally shield themselves from public scrutiny, in turn weakening the foundations of parliamentary democracy.
The bill is yet to be ratified into law, as it still requires approval by the Senate and then receive presidential assent before taking effect.
. . PRS