The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) will thoroughly scrutinise candidates for all kinds of elections in the country, and a letter has been sent to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in this regard on Wednesday.
According to well-placed sources, NAB sent a letter to the ECP, asking it to provide “information pertaining to the candidates who file the nomination documents to contest any kind of elections in future within the meaning of the Election Laws.”
Sources told Online that NAB would also seek records of the contestants of previous elections, in addition to scrutinising candidates for future elections. “It would not be an unusual move on part of NAB, but a simple application of law in retrospect especially on eligibility cases,” the sources said.
In case a candidate is found to have filed incorrect information, NAB would act under the legal instructions. “Not only that the person in question would be removed from the elected position as being disqualified, but NAB would also ensure the recovery of remunerations and perks drawn therein,” sources said.
The documents NAB has sought from the ECP include nomination papers submitted under the Political Parties Order, 2002, and the People’s Act, 1976, and details of assets and liabilities under clause 3 of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1977.
Besides these essentials about the candidates, the NAB has also asked the ECP to provide information received from various authorities and organisations for the sake of verification. Under the laws mentioned in the letter, the commission is also required to update NAB regarding details of forged/fake/improper education and qualification degrees established through the verification process undertaken by the commission.
Sources said the ECP would have to provide required information to NAB on occurrence as well as in the times of need. NAB would also independently verify the information about the candidates’ available with the Federal Board of Revenue and other relevant organisations, the sources added.