A Senate committee rejected a proposal on Monday that aimed to give women greater say in political parties across Pakistan. The bill, moved by PTI Senator Dr Zarqa Suharwardy Taimur, sought major changes in the Elections Act to increase female participation at all levels. However, almost all other parties opposed the move, leading the committee to dismiss it after long discussions.
Bill demanded 33pc women office-bearers
Senator Tahir Khalil chaired the meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Parliamentary Affairs. Dr Zarqa strongly pushed for the changes during the session. She argued that women make up nearly half the country’s population, yet they still face many barriers in politics. Her bill proposed that every political party must ensure at least 33 percent of its office-bearers at federal, provincial, and district levels are women. It also suggested denying election symbols to parties that fail to meet this target.
Moreover, the proposal called for secret ballot intra-party elections supervised by an independent authority. It further demanded that parties reserve seats for women, non-Muslims, and persons with disabilities during internal polls. In addition, parties would have to spend 10 percent of their funds on training and awareness programs specially designed for these groups. Dr Zarqa also pressed for better facilities, such as ramps at polling stations, to help voters with disabilities.
Parties prefer internal reforms over new law
Officials from the Election Commission of Pakistan and the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs briefed the committee. They explained that many practical issues needed careful review before making such changes part of the law. ECP representatives shared that they already conduct surveys to improve polling stations and suggested adding facilities through administrative guidelines instead of strict legislation.
Senators from JUI-F, PML-N, and MQM-P raised concerns about enforceability. Senator Kamran Murtaza stressed the need to implement existing laws properly first. PML-N’s Pervaiz Rashid noted that election rules are complex and warned against creating extra burdens for parties. He encouraged parties to discuss such ideas internally and reach a consensus. MQM-P’s Khalida Ateeb shared her own journey from school teacher to senator and highlighted how merit can open doors.
After hearing all views, the committee decided to reject the bill. Many members felt the proposals, though well-intentioned, required more deliberation and internal party efforts rather than immediate legal changes.
