According to statements issued by the ECP regarding the assets and liabilities of national and provincial assembly’s members, some of the members have declared that they don’t own any vehicles. Who is going to believe that? Why do our politician thinks that the people are fools?
The fact of the matter is that at least Rs. 40 million to 100 million is required to contest the election for provincial and national assemblies. The self declared statements of MNAs and MPAs need to be verified by the FBR or some other state institution, so that the perception of the general public that politicians are habitual liars is removed. Why don’t most of these members have the moral courage to tell the truth? Everybody knows that most of the politicians are in politics to protect their personal financial interest and to enrich themselves further.
I suggest that the asset declaration of members should also include the assets of their family members and business associates. They should indicate the verifiable sources of income through which they have acquired their assets. They should also declare what their business interests are. Why are some of the members (whose assets are in millions) paying a very small amount of tax? How have they acquired their assets in foreign countries? They must answer these questions.
S.T. HUSSAIN
Lahore
