Islamabad: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has announced that all registered political parties must submit their audited financial statements for the fiscal year 2025-26 by August 29, 2026, as mandated by the Elections Act, 2017. These requirements are essential for compliance with the law and the subsequent allocation of party symbols necessary for election participation.

According to Free and Fair Election Network, the Elections Act, 2017, under Section 210, obligates all political parties registered with the ECP to file their annual financial returns within 60 days following the end of each financial year. The submissions must be made in Form-D, which is a consolidated statement of accounts audited by a chartered accountant. This documentation must detail each party’s income, expenditures, funding sources, assets, and liabilities.

Additionally, the parties are required to provide an audit report from a chartered accountant and a certification confirming that no funds have been received from prohibited sources. The financial statements must accurately reflect the party's financial status. The completion and submission of these annual returns are crucial steps for political parties seeking to secure their official symbols for upcoming elections.