The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Wednesday formally barred three former lawmakers - Zartaj Gul, Abdul Latif, and Sahibzada Hamid Raza - from contesting elections due to their failure to submit statements of assets and liabilities for the financial year 2024-25. Hamid Raza, who heads the Sunni Ittehad Council, former minister and MNA Zartaj Gul, and Abdul Latif were sentenced last year by relevant courts in connection with the May 9 riots and were subsequently disqualified by the ECP as members of the National Assembly under Article 63 of the Constitution.

Under the relevant election laws and constitutional provisions, lawmakers are legally bound to submit their yearly details of assets and liabilities within the stipulated timeframe. The electoral watchdog stated that despite repeated notices and reminders sent to the affected politicians, they failed to comply with the mandatory statutory requirement, leading to the immediate barring order.

Political observers note that this latest ruling further complicates the legal and political standing of these figures, who have already been facing severe hurdles following the legal fallout of the May 9 incidents. The electoral body remains firm on enforcing compliance across the political spectrum to ensure transparency and accountability among public office holders.

Legal experts point out that the individuals can challenge the decision before the appropriate judicial forums if they subsequently fulfill the documentary requirements and clear their asset declarations. However, until such relief is granted, the current prohibition on their electoral participation stays firmly in place, keeping them out of upcoming political contests.