Islamabad (Pakistan News): The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has raised objections to a legal amendment that would allow members of parliament to keep their assets confidential, and has asked for its withdrawal.
Sources indicate that the Election Commission Secretary informed the IMF that the Commission will not compromise on transparency under any circumstances. The Law Division told the IMF that the government has not yet supported the amendments, which were introduced as private legislation by Pakistan Peoples Party members of the National Assembly. The IMF has asked the Law Division to take a clear stance on the issue.
The National Assembly had approved the amendment to the Election Act 2017 to limit public disclosure of lawmakers’ assets and liabilities, with votes in favor from Pakistan Muslim League-N members. However, the amendments did not become law because the Senate did not vote on the bill, and the IMF has also inquired about this matter.
