Transparency International Warns Against Bill Limiting Public Access to Lawmakers’ Asset Declarations

Transparency International Pakistan has raised serious concerns over a proposed move to restrict public access to the asset declarations of members of parliament, warning that the change could weaken accountability and undermine the country’s anti-corruption commitments.

The concerns emerged after the **Elections (Amendment) Bill 2026** was introduced in the National Assembly of Pakistan. The proposed bill aims to limit public access to financial details and asset declarations of lawmakers.

Transparency International Pakistan urged the president, the federal government, and legislators to withdraw the proposal, arguing that it could weaken one of the few mechanisms through which citizens can scrutinize the wealth of public office holders.

In a statement issued on Friday, the organization said that existing provisions of election law—particularly **Sections 137 and 138**—allow the public to review the assets and liabilities of members of parliament. According to the group, such transparency is essential for maintaining integrity in the legislative process and ensuring public trust.

The organization warned that restricting this access could reduce public oversight of lawmakers’ financial conduct and may conflict with governance reforms Pakistan has recently undertaken.

It also noted that recommendations in the **Governance and Corruption Diagnostic Report** encourage authorities to further strengthen systems that promote integrity and transparency among public officials.

Transparency International Pakistan highlighted that the country has recently moved in the opposite direction for government officials through the **Civil Servants (Amendment) Bill 2025**, which requires civil servants from **Grade 17 to Grade 22** to publicly disclose their domestic and foreign assets, including those held by close family members.

The organization cautioned that limiting access to lawmakers’ asset declarations could create a situation where transparency requirements for civil servants become stricter than those for elected representatives.

It further warned that the move could negatively affect Pakistan’s standing in the **Corruption Perceptions Index**, an annual ranking published by Transparency International that is closely watched by international institutions and investors as an indicator of accountability and governance.

The group also stressed that restricting transparency could run contrary to Pakistan’s commitments under the **United Nations Convention against Corruption**, which encourages public access to asset disclosures to prevent illicit enrichment and conflicts of interest.

Transparency International Pakistan has called on parliament to halt the proposed amendment and instead maintain a strong legal framework that ensures public access to lawmakers’ asset declarations in line with international best practices.