ECP issues ‘final warning’ to Ahad Cheema

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan has issued a notice for the submission of Adviser Ahad Khan Cheema’s statement of assets and liabilities by December 18. Failure to comply will result in his de-notification as an adviser to the caretaker prime minister.

On December 1, the ECP had initially written to the Cabinet Division secretary, requesting the required statement of assets and liabilities from Adviser Cheema.

The recent letter, dated December 15, reiterates the urgency and emphasizes that the statement on Form-B is still pending from Ahad Khan Cheema, Adviser to the Caretaker Prime Minister. This non-compliance contradicts the mandatory provision of Section

230(3) of the Elections Act, 2017. The letter quotes the relevant provision, stating: “The prime minister, chief minister, or a minister, or any other members of a caretaker government shall, within three days from the date of assumption of office, submit to the commission a statement of assets and liabilities, including those of his spouse and dependent children as of the preceding 30th day of June, on Form B. The commission shall then publish the statement of assets and liabilities in the official Gazette.”

The commission, in the letter, urges prompt action to ensure the submission of Adviser Ahad Cheema’s necessary statement of assets and liabilities.

The Cabinet Division is requested to furnish the required information to the commission on or before December 18. Failing compliance, the ECP will be compelled to issue directions for the de-notification of Adviser Ahad Cheema.