MPs Assets  Details

A news item captioned "No Extension in last date for MPs to file asset details: EC" appeared on the inside pages of a daily in an inconspicuous place, making it just a routine one of those run-of-the-mills news. Had the print media realized the importance of such a news it would have found space in bold on the front pages.  Nothing could be more important for making the government run by the honest politicians than subjecting them to fiscal and monetary transparency and accountability every year by making them file the returns and then publishing their assets in the media including EC website for all to see as to whether they gained or lost during the year. Mere publishing the assets of the MP, his/her spouse(s) and dependents as declared in their returns required under Section 42-A of the Representation of the People Act 1976 and the Senate (Election) Act 1975 is not enough. These must be thoroughly probed into for their correctness and accuracy and also to unearth the hidden assets and tax evasion, if any.

As the last date "“ September 30^th "“ has already passed it is sincerely expected that the EC will take the necessary action against the defaulters and publish the action taken against them on the EC website.  Also details of those declaring their assets will also be published on the website as well as released to the media. The Election Commission could invite information from the public about the undeclared assets of an MP "“ of course on complete assurance of secrecy. Public could also be offered suitable incentives - monetary rewards, etc.  for the disclosure of sizeable hidden assets. Needless to say, the informers of wrong, malicious or false information are to be prosecuted according to law.

May I request the media and public to keep EC reminding of its such duty so that it does  not succumb to any influence or  pressure from any quarter. Such an accountability of the assets would not only rid the country of the few corrupt politicians but also go a long way in ushering in an era of true democracy by the honest and dedicated politicians.

Truly

Col. Riaz Jafri (Retd)

30, Westridge-1

Rawalpindi 46000

Tel: (051) 546 3344