The joint session of Pakistan’s Parliament has approved amendments to the Election Act 2017, empowering the caretaker setup to take important decisions related to the economy and matters involving multilateral and bilateral donors.
The bill, which was tabled by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Murtaza Javed Abbasi, received majority approval during the session.
The ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) successfully persuaded its allies in the Centre to support the bill, granting additional powers to the caretaker government. However, during the discussions in the Parliamentary Committee on Electoral Reforms meeting, concerns were raised by allied parties regarding the “unbridled powers” proposed for the caretaker government.
After further deliberations and negotiations, the PML-N agreed to make some changes to the bill.
As per the revised version, the interim government will only be allowed to engage with bilateral donors and multilateral institutions. The caretaker regime’s powers are limited to those specified in clause 2A of Section 230, and they will not have the authority to enter into new agreements. Instead, the caretaker setup can utilize its powers in ongoing programs.
Prior to the electoral reforms bill being presented in the house, PTI Senator Ali Zafar strongly urged the rejection of the clause, deeming it unsustainable and potentially unconstitutional.
Despite the concerns raised, the revised bill was passed by the joint session, enabling the caretaker government to play a role in economic decisions and interactions with international donors while keeping their powers within defined boundaries.
National Assembly of Pakistan in session
