ISLAMABAD: The Awaam Pakistan Party has expressed grave concerns over the move to amend Section 137 of the Elections Act, 2017, describing it as an effort that did not serve the public interest but instead shielded parliamentarians from accountability.

The party’s central spokesperson, Dr Zafar Mirza, announced that they would not accept any amendment that weakened asset declarations or provided elected representatives with a means to evade accountability. He said the law that applies to the public must apply equally to those who govern.

He noted that by the end of December 2025, 446 legislators, approximately 38 per cent of the total membership, had failed to submit their asset declarations.

“Even more alarming is the fact that the legislators who failed to comply are now preparing amendments to Section 137 to introduce leniency, extend deadlines and weaken the accountability process. This reinforces the perception that legislation is being crafted to protect personal interests rather than serve the public good,” he said.

Published in Dawn, January 22nd, 2026