KABUL - The Wolesi Jirga or lower house of the parliament on Monday approved a draft law on assets registration of government officials and workers.
Sayed Mohamamd Hassan Sharifi Balkhabi, who heads of the house commission on justice affairs and corruption, said assets registration of government officials and employees would ensure transparency in their affairs and prevent corruption.
Some of the lower house commissions had suggested that the assets of parliament members should be also registered, he said.
Humaira Ayubi, a lawmaker from western Farah province, who voted in support of the draft law, said the assets of parliament members should also be registered.
“Though registration of public representatives’ assets is against the law, yet it would make people trust more their representatives and the house of the nation”, she said.
However, Ahmad Behzad, a lawmaker from western Herat province, said registration of legislators’ assets was against the Article 154 of the Constitution.
The article says: “The wealth of the President, Vice-Presidents, Ministers, members of the Supreme Court as well as the Attorney General, shall be registered, reviewed and published prior to and after their term of office by an organ established by law.”
The lawmakers finally approved the draft law in three chapters and 16 articles with a majority vote. The law also calls for registration of assets of parliament members.
The draft law after its approval by the lower house would be referred to the Meshrano Jirga or Senate for a review and then sending to the president for signature. (Pajhwok)