Islamabad, April 6, 2026: The Senate Standing Committee on Parliamentary Affairs on Monday unanimously rejected a proposed amendment to the Elections Act, 2017, following detailed deliberations at a meeting held at Parliament House under the chairmanship of Senator Khalil Tahir.
The amendment, introduced by Senator Dr. Zarqa Suharwardi Taimur in January 2026, sought to increase women’s political representation by raising the existing five percent quota for women on general seats. Speaking during the meeting, she stressed that women make up nearly half of Pakistan’s population and called for greater inclusion, particularly for those outside traditional political families. She also proposed ensuring accessibility for persons with disabilities at polling stations, including the construction of ramps.
Officials from the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs informed the committee that while such proposals are reviewed in consultation with institutions like the Election Commission of Pakistan and the Ministry of Law, their practical feasibility must be carefully evaluated.
Briefing the committee, Election Commission officials noted that pre-election surveys are conducted to assess facilities at polling stations, including electricity, boundary walls, water supply, and accessibility features. They suggested that certain measures, such as improved facilities, could be more effectively implemented through administrative guidelines rather than legislative amendments.
During the discussion, Senator Kamran Murtaza emphasized the importance of enforcing existing laws instead of introducing provisions that may be difficult to implement. Senator Pervaiz Rashid echoed similar concerns, highlighting the complexity and sensitivity of election laws and urging careful consideration to avoid creating challenges for political parties. He also recommended that political parties develop consensus-based proposals through internal deliberations.
Senator Khalida Ateeb observed that many party members come from middle-class backgrounds, sharing her own journey from a school teacher to a senator as an example of merit-based advancement.
Following extensive discussion, the committee unanimously decided to reject the proposed amendments.
Separately, while reviewing matters related to the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), the ministry’s secretary informed the committee that no projects are currently being executed under the PSDP by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs.
The meeting was attended by Senators Khalil Tahir, Khalida Ateeb, Pervaiz Rashid, Kamran Murtaza, and Dr. Zarqa Suharwardi Taimur, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and the Election Commission of Pakistan.
