ISLAMABAD – The National Assembly passed a bill that amends the Elections Act 2017 to prevent lawmakers from altering their party affiliation after their initial election.
The bill, introduced by Bilal Azhar Kiyani of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) last month, had earlier received endorsement from the NA Parliamentary Affairs Committee.
The committee’s approval came with eight members in favor, four against, and Shahid Akhtar of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) abstaining from the vote.
If the bill receives further approval from the Senate and the president, it will prohibit individuals who initially contested elections as independents from subsequently declaring affiliation with any political party.
This legislation could affect Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) return to parliament. The party had regained eligibility for reserved seats and was recognized as a parliamentary party following a Supreme Court ruling on July 12, reversing its status lost before the February 8 elections.
PTI leader Ali Mohammad Khan criticized the bill, announcing plans to challenge it in court. “The Supreme Court had affirmed that PTI is and will continue to be a political party,” Khan stated, adding, “We will contest this law in court.”
PTI chairman Barrister Gohar Khan emphasized that while legislation is necessary, it should serve the national interest.
The Opposition members continued to protest throughout the house proceedings regarding the bill’s approval.
