ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Parliamentary Affairs unanimously rejected the amendments to the Elections Act, 2017.
The Election Commission of Pakistan suggested that such proposals may be more effectively incorporated into the Election Commission’s administrative guidelines rather than being made part of the law.
A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Parliamentary Affairs was held at Parliament House under the chairmanship of Senator Khalil Tahir. The Committee undertook a detailed review of the proposed amendment to the Elections Act, 2017, introduced by Senator Dr Zarqa Suharwardi Taimur in the Senate on January 19, 2026, as well as matters relating to the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) of the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs.
In the proposed amendments to the Elections Act, 2017, measures seek to ensure greater participation of women, non-Muslims and persons with disabilities in political process by requiring political parties to adopt internal inclusion mechanisms, maintain transparent procedures for intra-party elections and adhere to enhanced monitoring standards during election campaigns.
It aims to provide a more facilitative voting environment for persons with disabilities through measures related to polling station accessibility and voter assistance. These reforms do not alter the constitutional framework of reserved seats but strengthen administrative and regulatory practices within the mandate of the Election Commission of Pakistan. By harmonising party-level obligations, electoral procedures and campaign conduct with constitutional principles and international best practices, this bill seeks to advance a more equitable, participatory and accountable democratic system in Pakistan.
During the meeting, Senator Dr Zarqa Suharwardi Taimur emphasised the need to enhance women’s political representation, stating that the existing five per cent quota for women on general seats under the Elections Act, 2017 should be increased. She highlighted that women constitute nearly 50 per cent of the country’s population and stressed the importance of providing equal opportunities to women, particularly those who do not belong to political families, to participate in elections. She further proposed ensuring the provision of facilities for persons with disabilities at all polling stations, including the construction of ramps to facilitate ease of access for voters.
The secretary, Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, informed the Committee that the proposals under consideration have been reviewed in consultation with relevant institutions, including the Election Commission and the Ministry of Law. He noted that while the proposals are valuable, their practical feasibility must also be carefully assessed.
Officials of the Election Commission briefed the committee that a comprehensive survey is conducted prior to elections to identify polling stations with maximum available facilities, including electricity, boundary walls, washrooms, water supply and ramps.
They suggested that such proposals may be more effectively incorporated into the Election Commission’s administrative guidelines rather than being made part of the law.
Senator Kamran Murtaza underscored the importance of ensuring effective implementation of existing laws and cautioned against enacting provisions that may not be practically enforceable. Senator Pervaiz Rashid echoed similar views, stating that many of the proposed measures are already being addressed by the Election Commission. He further remarked that election laws are sensitive and complex in nature, and any amendments should be carefully considered to enhance transparency and public trust without creating undue difficulties for political parties.
He suggested that political parties should deliberate on such proposals internally and bring forward consensus-based recommendations. Senator Khalida Ateeb observed that a significant proportion of members in her party belong to the middle class. Sharing her personal experience, she stated that she rose from being a school teacher to becoming a Senator on the basis of merit and capability.
After detailed deliberations, the Committee unanimously rejected the proposed amendment to the Elections Act, 2017. On the agenda relating to the Public Sector Development Programme, the secretary, Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, informed the committee that the Ministry currently has no projects under the PSDP.
