Key Takeaways
- The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) declared three former lawmakers ineligible to contest any election.
- The disqualification is due to failure in submitting asset statements for the financial year 2024-25.
- The ex-MNAs include Zartaj Gul, Sahibzada Hamid Raza, and Abdul Latif.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has once again declared three former Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) ineligible to contest any upcoming elections. The decision was made on August 7, 2026, following their failure to submit their statements of assets and liabilities for the financial year 2024-25.
The ECP stated that the three ex-MNAs—Zartaj Gul, Sahibzada Hamid Raza, and Abdul Latif—would remain disqualified until they comply with Section 137 of the Elections Act, 2017, by submitting the required Statement of Assets & Liabilities (Form-B).
This decision comes after the ECP had initially disqualified Ms Gul and Mr Raza in the first week of August 2025, and Mr Latif on July 29, 2025, from contesting elections in NA-1, Upper and Lower Chitral, respectively.
The disqualification affects not only general elections but also by-elections, Senate elections, and local government elections. The ECP’s order is clear, stating that the ex-MNAs are ineligible until they submit the necessary documentation.
The decision was made in compliance with Article 63(1)(h) of the Constitution, which disqualifies a person convicted of an offence involving moral turpitude and sentenced to imprisonment of not less than two years from being a member of parliament for five years from the date of release.
The ECP had previously notified the disqualification of lawmakers convicted in a case involving more than 100 PTI leaders and workers, including key opposition figures. Among those sentenced to 10 years in prison were former opposition leader in the National Assembly Omar Ayub Khan, opposition leader in the Senate Shibli Faraz, and Zartaj Gul.
The ECP’s decision underscores the importance of compliance with electoral laws and the consequences of non-compliance. The three ex-MNAs will now have to submit the required asset statements to contest any future elections.
The ECP’s actions reflect a commitment to maintaining the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring that all candidates meet the necessary requirements.
