ECP orders political parties to file annual financial statements by August 29
- Political parties must submit audited financial statements for FY2025-26 by August 29.
- Annual accounts must include income, expenditure, assets, liabilities and bank statements.
- Party heads must certify that no prohibited funding has been received.
- ECP warns that non-compliance may affect a party’s legal and electoral status.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has directed all registered political parties to submit their audited annual financial statements for the 2025-26 fiscal year by August 29, in line with the Elections Act, 2017.
According to the commission, political parties are required to file their annual accounts using Form-D, providing complete details of their income, expenditure, assets and liabilities for the financial year ending June 30, 2026.
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The ECP said every submission must include an audit report prepared by a chartered accountant. In addition, the head of each political party must provide a signed declaration confirming that the party has not received prohibited funding from any foreign government, multinational company, locally incorporated public or private company, firm, trade or professional association, or any other source barred under Pakistan’s election laws.
The commission also instructed political parties to attach bank statements covering the period from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, along with their financial returns.
The ECP clarified that Form-D containing overwriting, erasures or alterations will not be accepted. It further directed that all required documents must be submitted in person to the office of the Secretary of the Election Commission. Submissions sent through post, courier, fax or any electronic means will not be entertained.
Under Section 210 of the Elections Act, 2017, every registered political party is legally required to submit its audited financial statements within 60 days after the close of the financial year. These statements must disclose the party’s sources of income, expenditures, assets and liabilities, along with a declaration from the party leader confirming compliance with the law regarding prohibited funding.
The commission warned that failure to fulfil these legal obligations could affect a political party’s registration and electoral standing. The ECP said the annual reporting requirement is aimed at promoting transparency, financial accountability and compliance with Pakistan’s electoral framework.
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