KARACHI: PTI MPAs Arsalan Taj and Rabia Azfar have submitted an amendment bill to make it mandatory for advisers and special assistants of the Chief Minister Sindh to declare their personal assets publicly.
The proposed amendment in the ‘Sindh Advisors (Appointment, Powers, Functions, Allowances and Privileges) Amendment Bill’ states that asset declaration is necessary to safeguard against corrupt practices by public servants and officeholders.
It said that accountability and transparency are the cornerstones of good governance. The amendment bill states that the declaration of assets is proposed to eliminate the ‘middleman’ syndrome that has led to abusing the position entrusted to them.
According to Article 19A of the Constitution, public access to information in all matters of public interest is a fundamental right. Hence, the declaration of assets by special assistance shall be made mandatory upon their appointment as well every fiscal year. The assets and properties should also include those owned by their spouses and children under their responsibility.
Speaking to media after submitting the amendment bill, PTI MPA Arsalan Taj said that Prime Minister Imran Khan has released the assets of his advisers and special assistants of the federal cabinet.
He said the asset of individuals in public positions should be made public and advisers and special assistants in the Sindh cabinet should declare their assets.
PTI leader Rabia Asghar said that those who were rejected by the people have become advisers and given the status of minister in the Sindh cabinet.
She said it cannot be the sole prerogative of the chief minister to give an adviser the status of a minister. Therefore, she said the amendment bill has been submitted for legislation in this regard.
Arsalan Taj said both leaders will submit further legal bills which will be presented on the floor of the House after approval from Sindh Assembly Speaker.
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