KARACHI, Aug 16: The nomination forms for the Oct 10 elections for the national and provincial assemblies, are cumbersome and confusing, and would be difficult to fill in.

The forms have been provided to the Returning Officers (ROs) by the election commission in three colours — white, pink and green, for general seats, women seats and minority’s reserved seats, respectively. Except for different colours, their contents are identical. These forms are being provided on payment of Rs 10 by the ROs.

In the five-page form, a candidate is required to give minute details of his property, supported by relevant documents, and other personal belongings, including jewellry, furniture, bank account, etc. of every member of the family. This declaration would also include details of income tax and land revenue paid during the last three years.

In view of very little time given to file nomination (by Aug 24), it appears to be an uphill task.

If clause 3 section (i) and (ii) is truly implemented, it would almost debar 80 per cent families of ex-parliamentarians and legislatures, particularly those having landholding background. This clause pertains to declaration of loan, advance, credit or finance obtained or written off on or after the 31st December, 1985.

Government dues and utility charges include rent, charges of rest houses or lodges owned by the federal government, provincial governments, local governments or corporations established or controlled by such governments, but shall not include the government dues and utility charges, the recovery of which has been stayed or suspended by any order of a court or tribunal.

The candidates would also be required to declare on oath that they were not required in any criminal case. The candidate is also required to provide attested copies of the educational qualifications, occupation, NID and National Tax Number, if any.

Page 4 of the form is about assets details including immovable property held in Pakistan or outside Pakistan. Movable assets include business capital within and outside the country with details of the business and capital amount involved in it.

The candidate has also to mention the assets brought or remitted into Pakistan with details of bank drafts/remittances and is also required to provide information about assets created out of remittances from abroad and details of investments including stock and shares, debentures, national investment (unit) trust, ICP certificates, national saving schemes, defence savings certificates, special savings certificates, regular income tax certificates, unsecured loans, mortgages and any other investment.

The candidate is also required to provide specifications of weight and description of jewellry, cash in hand and bank deposit with account number, etc. Information about furniture, fittings and articles of personal use including assets transferred to any person without adequate consideration or by revocable transfer.

The candidate has to provide details of liabilities in the form of mortgages secured on property or land, unsecured loans, bank overdraft, amount due under hire-purchase agreement, house building loans, advances from provident funds, etc., other debts due and liabilities in the names of minor children.

In the form , the candidate has also to declare solemnly that “no loan for an amount of two million rupees or more obtained from any bank, financial institution, cooperative society or corporate body in his own name or in the name of any member of his family remained unpaid for more than one year from the due date, or has got such loan written off.

He has also to declare his party affiliation, if any, and has to attach a certificate of the party as its nominee for the constituency.

The form also includes an oath of loyalty to Pakistan and the belief in the finality of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him).