ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has suspended the membership of 139 lawmakers including MNAs for failing to submit their tax returns.
Strict action was taken against members of the National and Provincial Assemblies, as well as senators.
ECP has formally informed the National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Chairman Senate Yusuf Raza Gillani, and other provincial assemblie speakers about the suspension of memberships.
The electoral watchdog suspended the membership of Senator Abdul Quddus and Senator Qasim, barring them from participating in proceedings of the House until they comply with the legal requirement.
Moreover, the suspended lawmakers include 16 members of the National Assembly (MNA) including Akhtar Mengal and Qasim Gilani.
In the provincial assemblies, membership of 68 Punjab Assembly members, 33 KP Assembly members, 15 Sindh Assembly members, and 5 members of the Balochistan Assembly were suspended for not submitting returns.
Jamaat-e-Islami Emir Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman was also named among the MPAs in Sindh, who were suspended.
The election body said that suspended members are barred from attending sessions in their respective assemblies or participating in any official proceedings until they submit their tax returns.
The ECP further warned lawmakers of legal action in case false or incomplete information was provided regarding their financial statements.
The submission of financial returns is a mandatory requirement under the law, aimed at maintaining transparency in the financial dealings of lawmakers. The suspended members are expected to file their returns promptly to restore their memberships and resume their legislative duties.
