Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Thursday issued notices to 10 members of National Assembly (MNAs) from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on failing to submit declaration of their assets.

The MNAs are Ghulam Ahmed Bilour, Hamidul Haq, Sajid Nawaz, Gulzar Khan, Imran Khattak, Siraj Muhammad Khan, Muhammad Gauhar, Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao, Amir Haider Hoti and Ali Muhammad Khan.

During years 2013-16, the lawmakers kept repeating the information, which they had first given in the nomination forms filed for contesting general elections 2013.

Similarly, some legislators did not provide proof regarding income tax and general sales tax so far.

The Election Commission of Pakistan has formed a political finance wing to look into the assets of the MNAs, senators and MPAs. The wing has issued notices to the MNAs who won from NA-1 to NA-10 after investigating the declaration of their assets. A gigantic increase was shown in their assets during three years but no clarification was made regarding a sudden increase in their assets.

The wing after a thorough investigation found some objections and irregularities in the declaration of the assets filed by the lawmakers. Later, the wing put up the matter before the ECP, which gave an approval to issue notices to the 10 MNAs.

Sources said that if they fail to satisfy the ECP in their written reply they would have to appear before the commission. Speaking at a press conference, ECP Additional Secretary Fida Khan said the ECP had started audit of statements of assets and liabilities of members of National Assembly. After audit, the forms were being put before the ECP to seek orders for further action.