ECP releases candidates' scrutiny data
KARACHI: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday released data pertaining to the scrutiny of all candidates whose nomination papers had been accepted for the coming general election.
The data, released on ECP's website, comprises details from National Accountability Bureau (NAB), State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on the candidates’ tax records as well as any loans that they may have taken.
The record cleared former premier and Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz chief Nawaz Sharif, Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan, Awami National Party (ANP) chief Asfandyar Wali Khan and Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam – Fazl’s Maulana Fazlur Rehman.
Muttahida Qaumi Movement's Farooq Sattar was also cleared, however, in 2010, the former lawmaker declared no income and paid zero taxes.
Furthermore, General (retd) Pervez Musharraf's records indicate that he paid no taxes in the years 2010, 2011 and 2012 when the former military ruler was in self-imposed exile.
Senior Pakistan Peoples Party leader and former information minister Qamar Zaman Kaira was also declared in the clear.
The information was released a day after the scrutiny process for the contenders’ nominations was completed. Moreover, election tribunals have begun receiving appeals from aspiring candidates challenging the returning officers’ judgments against them.