The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday released data pertaining to the scrutiny of all candidates whose nomination papers had been accepted for the coming general election.
The data, released on ECP’s website, comprised of details from National Accountability Bureau (NAB), State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on the candidates’ tax records as well as any loans that they may have taken.
The record cleared former premier and Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif, Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaaf (PTI) Presidnt Imran Khan, Awami National Party (ANP) chief Asfandyar Wali Khan and Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam – Fazl’s Maulana Fazlur Rehman. Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s Farooq Sattar was also cleared, even though in 2010, the former lawmaker declared no income and paid zero taxes.
Furthermore, General (R) Pervez Musharraf’s records indicated that he paid no taxes in the years 2010, 2011 and 2012.The information was released a day after the scrutiny process for the contenders’ nominations was completed. Moreover, election tribunals had begun receiving appeals from aspiring candidates challenging the returning officers’ judgments.