ECP Suspends 159 Lawmakers Over Missing Financial Statements

ISLAMABAD – The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has suspended the memberships of 159 lawmakers for failing to submit financial statements. The suspension affects members of the National Assembly, provincial assemblies, and the Senate. The move follows strict enforcement of the Election Act rules.

The suspended members include 32 from the National Assembly, 50 from the Punjab Assembly, 33 from the Sindh Assembly, 28 from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and 7 from Balochistan. Additionally, nine senators have also faced suspension. The action highlights the ECP’s strict compliance measures.

Punjab Assembly suspensions include Provincial Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat. Sindh Assembly members affected include Arshad Vohra, among others. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan members are also part of the suspended group. The ECP emphasized that all members must follow legal requirements.

Among high-profile federal lawmakers, suspended members include Musadik Malik, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Sardar Akhtar Mengal, Ali Musa Gilani, Saira Afzal Tarar, and Mehreen Razaq Bhutto. The ECP noted that non-compliance has serious consequences for parliamentary participation.

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Senators affected by the suspension include Fauzia Arshad, Abid Sher Ali, Murad Saeed, and Noor-ul-Haq Qadri. These members will not be able to attend any Senate sessions until their memberships are restored. The decision ensures accountability across all legislative bodies.

Under the Election Act, lawmakers are required to submit financial statements by January 15 each year. Failure to comply results in automatic suspension until submissions are made. The ECP stressed that these rules apply equally to all elected representatives.

The suspended members will remain barred from participating in parliamentary or provincial assembly proceedings. They can restore their memberships only by submitting the required financial statements. The move reflects the ECP’s commitment to transparency and accountability in public office.