PTI opposes to the amendment, labeling it as ‘illegal and unconstitutional.’
ISLAMABAD: A joint session of the Parliament approved amendments to the Election Act of 2017, despite opposition from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
Murtaza Javed Abbasi, enables the caretaker government to take effective actions and decisions related to current bilateral or multilateral agreements and projects.
Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar clarified that the bill does not grant any new powers to the caretaker government. The amendments in Section 230 aim to ensure a smooth continuation of decisions already taken by the federal cabinet.
The bill was presented with consensus, and further explanations about the proposed amendment in Section 230 will be provided when it comes up for approval.
PTI Senator Barrister Ali Zafar strongly opposed the amendment, considering it “illegal and unconstitutional.” He issued a warning that if the parliament fails to reject it, the Supreme Court may intervene and strike it down within the next few days.
The PTI lawmaker reminded the house, that he was the one who previously took matters regarding the caretaker government to the Supreme Court. He emphasized that the apex court had agreed with him. The court affirmed that the caretaker government should only perform day-to-day affairs.It is meant to be a caretaker setup.
The federal government proposed a total of 54 amendments to the Election Act, 2017, which includes amendments to Section 230. These proposed changes would empower the caretaker government to make significant decisions related to the economy.
One particular amendment seeks to modify subclause 2 of Section 230 of the Election Act, 2017, as indicated in the available copy of the Election Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023.
Proposed amendments aim to empower the caretaker government to make significant decisions for the economy, including signing bilateral agreements and deals with international financial institutions like the IMF.
Political Parties Reassure Timely Elections Amid Growing Tensions
Both the PPP and PML-N are assuring that they will hold the elections within the constitutionally stipulated timeframe due to international commitments made by the government. As a result, tensions are rising in the parliament.
Amid uncertainty caused by election delays in Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), members of major parties in the ruling coalition have come together to address the matter and reassure the public about the timely elections.
The fear of delaying polls or extending the caretaker set-up’s period escalated when Finance Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed the government’s decision to amend the Elections Act, 2017, to grant more powers to the caretaker set-up beyond day-to-day affairs for three months.
Senior members of the PML-N hold the belief that they will hold the elections on time, and they are confident that global commitments will not derail the democratic process..
Lawmakers from both parties are determined to uphold the government’s international obligations and maintain the democratic process amid growing concerns and uncertainties about the elections.
