The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has objected to recently approved legal amendments that have limited public disclosure of the assets of parliamentarians, raising prospects for the reversal of the move that is also in breach of the Fund's good governance and anti-corruption framework…..The National Assembly (NA) passed these amendments to the Elections Act, 2017, to limit public disclosure of legislators’ assets and liabilities in January this year, only after the PML-N legislators voted in its favour—IMF wants reversal of secrecy clause in MPs’ assets law, The Express Tribune, March 11, 2026.

In any true democracy, there exists an implicit social contract that citizens pay taxes and obey laws, while those who wield public authority remain transparent and accountable. Article 19A of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan [“the Constitution”] guarantees every citizen an inalienable fundamental right “to have access to information in all matters of public importance subject to regulation and reasonable restrictions imposed by law”.

In utter violation of the Constitution, efforts have been underway to deny free access to the asset declarations of parliamentarians through subordinate legislation. The so-called vibrant media and civil society have been just pointing it out, but not launching an effective campaign as defenders of free access to information that ultimately facilitates the right of free speech. Now, strangely, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), hated for its anti-people policies, has taken strong exception, as the political class has been quietly moving to legislate new layers of secrecy around its own wealth.

Under section 138 of the Elections Act of 2017, statements of assets and liabilities submitted by members of parliament are meant to be publicly accessible documents. The philosophy behind this provision is straightforward and consistent with democratic practice across the world: those who exercise state authority on behalf of the people must disclose their financial interests so that conflicts of interest, unexplained wealth and potential abuse of power can be scrutinised.

However, an amendment in Rule 138 of the Election Rules, 2017 by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) through SRO. 692(1)/2023 of 15.06.2023 now requires citizens seeking access to these declarations to reveal their identity, state their purpose through a prescribed form and submit an affidavit promising that the information will not be misused. What appears as a bureaucratic formality has effectively erected a barrier between citizens and information that should be available as a matter of right—a blatant violation of Article 19A of the Constitution.

The controversy gained further significance when the IMF objected to the secrecy clause recently approved by the National Assembly, presented through a private Bill, and urged its reversal. Under Pakistan’s ongoing IMF financial arrangement, the government has committed to strengthening governance and transparency frameworks. One of the reforms involves disclosure of assets by federal civil servants. The irony is striking: bureaucrats may now face stricter disclosure........

© The Friday Times