The Senate Standing Committee on Parliamentary Affairs on Tuesday reviewed the total expenses incurred by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for the financial year 2024-25, including salaries and other expenditures. The meeting of the Senate Body was convened under the chairmanship of Senator Dr. Mohammad Humayun Mohmand. Expressing his strong concerns, Senator Ali Zafar stated, “This is our insult. The Election Commission did not come here. The Chief Election Commissioner and the members are under parliamentary supervision. If we cannot ask them questions, then which committee is responsible?” Voicing his frustration, Senator Humayun Mohmand noted, “The Election Commission has already informed the committees. We allocate 50 billion rupees to the ECP, and yet we are unable to question them about their expenditures.”

Senator Khalil Sindhu questioned the ECP's accountability, asking, “Do we believe that the Election Commission is equivalent to the High Court? Can we not question their recruitment processes?” Senator Sarmad inquired about the ECP's relationship with the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, while Senator Mohsin Aziz questioned why the ECP's report is repeatedly submitted to Parliament. The Secretary of Parliamentary Affairs emphasized that the ECP is a constitutional body, not affiliated with any ministry. He noted, “The ECP's expenses fall under charged expenses, which are not subject to National Assembly voting.” Senator Humayun Mohmand declared, “The refusal of the Election Commission to appear is an affront to the Senate. I will seek the Privileges Committee’s intervention as this undermines the authority of Parliament.”

The committee also considered seeking legal opinions on the matter, with suggestions to consult the Attorney General or the Ministry of Law. Senator Ali Zafar reiterated that despite the ECP's independence, its expenditures should be scrutinized by Parliament. In a statement from the ECP, it was clarified that the Commission operates as an independent constitutional entity, not under any ministry, and is not obliged to provide detailed expenditure reports to the Committee. The ECP is expected to assist in legislative matters related to election laws and constitutional issues. The Senate Standing Committee will await further guidance from the Chairman Senate on how to proceed with this matter.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan