Electoral law amended as opposition warns of curbs on transparency and court powers
ISLAMABAD:
The National Assembly on Wednesday passed a bill allowing members of the National Assembly and Senate to keep their assets confidential for up to a year, citing security concerns.
The bill, proposed by Pakistan People’s Party MP Shazia Marri, introduces key amendments to the 2017 Election Act. Under the new law, a lawmaker can request that details of their own or their family’s assets remain secret if there is a credible threat to their security.
Once such a request is approved by the Speaker of the National Assembly or the President of the Senate, the Election Commission of Pakistan will be required to keep the information confidential for a period of up to one year.
The legislation also transfers key powers under election laws from the Supreme Court to the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC). It gives the FCC primary authority over appeals, legal interpretation, and resolution of election disputes.
As part of the changes, the word “Supreme” was replaced by “Federal Constitutional Court” in Article 155 of the Election Law. Changes were also made to Sections 202, 212, and 232, officially incorporating the FCC into these provisions.
Under the bill, the FCC’s role in various legal forums was clearly defined, with the stated goal of ensuring transparency while balancing fundamental rights.
Lawyer Gohar Ali Khan, chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, criticized the bill, saying it would transfer routine election matters from the Supreme Court to the Constitutional Court. He argued that such cases did not require constitutional interpretation.
“If the Election Commission orders a re-vote in 20 polling stations, this matter would now be taken to the Constitutional Court,” he said.
Justice Minister Azam Nazir Tarrar defended the changes, saying many cases regarding the Election Commission had already been heard by the Constitutional Court. He said issues such as banning a political party were constitutional in nature and should be decided by the FCC.
Issues related to party switching would also be a matter for the Constitutional Court, he said, adding that it was impractical that most election appeals were addressed to the Supreme Court while others were addressed to another forum.
After being adopted in the National Assembly, the bill will now be sent to the Senate for examination.
Debate on the 18th Amendment
During the session, senior PPP leader Syed Naveed Qamar raised a point of order, accusing opponents of using the recent fire at Gul Plaza in Karachi to criticize the 18th Amendment.
Referring to the remarks of Defense Minister and PML-N parliamentary leader Khawaja Asif, Qamar said the fire was being used as an excuse to target the constitutional amendment.
“The Gul Plaza fire was used as a pretext to target the 18th Amendment. The issue of the fire was deliberately linked to this constitutional amendment,” he said.
Qamar warned against centralization of powers, saying Pakistan’s strength lay in its federal structure. “Pakistan is a federal country. Do you want to try a new experience?” he asked.
He also criticized calls to take back resources from the provinces. “How can the provinces reduce funds for health and education and give them to the federation so that it can take out loans and repay them? he said.
Indus Waters Treaty
In another presentation, the Ministry of Water Resources told the House that India has suspended the Indus Water Treaty since April 2025. It said around 1.45 million acres under the Upper Chenab Canal and 3.19 million acres under the Janab Canal are expected to be severely affected.
The ministry said per capita water availability has fallen from over 5,000 cubic meters in 1951 to 819 cubic meters currently and is expected to fall to 744 cubic meters by 2030, posing serious social and economic risks.
Bills submitted
Several other bills were introduced during the session.
The Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill 2026, seeking to amend sections 174B and 174C, was tabled by Mirza Ikhtiar Baig and referred to a committee.
A constitutional amendment to abolish reserved seats for women and introduce direct elections was introduced by PTI-backed lawmaker Aslam Ghumman. Justice Minister Tarrar opposed the bill in principle and recommended that it be referred to a standing committee.
Pakistan Steel Mills and Railways
In written responses, the Ministry of Industry and Production said Pakistan’s steel mills had remained closed since 2015 and 700 acres had been allocated for a new or revived steel plant. Agreements were signed with the Russian Industrial Engineering Company, while most of the factory’s workforce was laid off.
The Ministry of Railways said that Pakistan Railways owns over 168,000 acres across the country, of which over 12,000 acres are illegally occupied. Thousands of acres have been reclaimed in recent years, generating revenue for the department.
Remarks by Ali Muhammad Khan
PTI leader Ali Muhammad Khan said the country’s political environment was discouraging for the youth and criticized the treatment of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
“A 75-year-old person is currently seen in Adiala prison,” he said, adding that meetings with lawyers and family members were restricted.
Calling for dialogue, he said political leaders should sit down together and discuss. “Release Imran Khan and give him access,” he said.
The National Assembly session was adjourned until 11 a.m. Thursday.
