Islamabad: The National Assembly of Pakistan approved an amendment to the Elections Act, 2017, on Wednesday, restricting public access to legislators' asset and liability declarations. The legislation, introduced by Shazia Marri of the Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians, aims to modify Section 138 of the Elections Act, which currently allows public access to these statements upon payment of a fee.

According to Free and Fair Election Network, the amendment proposes to balance transparency with legislators' privacy and security. The revised provision empowers the Speaker or the Senate Chairman to withhold the publication of a member's asset statement for one year if deemed a security threat. The standing committee recommended changes to include a Federal Constitutional Court in place of the Supreme Court in several sections. These changes were adopted in the final bill passed by the assembly.

Initially introduced in May 2025, the bill was scrutinized by the Standing Committee on Parliamentary Affairs, chaired by Rana Iradat Sharif Khan. After several committee meetings, the bill was recommended for passage with amendments. It bypassed the usual legislative procedure, allowing immediate progression to the second and third readings. The bill now awaits consideration by the Senate.

The public and civil society groups are encouraged to review the amendment and offer feedback via the official National Assembly and Senate websites.