Election amendment bill sails through parliament with more powers to interim set-up

ISLAMABAD: The joint sitting of the parliament on Wednesday passed the Elections (Amendment) Bill, 2023, giving additional powers to the caretaker government for the first time.

After the law is enacted, the caretaker government will be able to utilise its powers regarding ongoing development programmes and projects.

The Parliament in its Joint Session passed the "The Elections (Amendment) Bill, 2023"@PTVNewsOfficial @RadioPakistan pic.twitter.com/Rvoygf0OuE

— National Assembly 🇵🇰 (@NAofPakistan) July 26, 2023

The new amendment also grants the caretaker government the authority to enter into two-party or three-party agreements.

It will also have the power to engage with institutions regarding existing projects.

Although the amendment has expanded the powers of the incumbent government, they are still limited in scope.

The caretaker government will not be able to enter into any new agreements, or take any major policy decisions except on urgent matters.

The caretaker government will also be authorised to take actions related to agreements with international organisations and foreign governments.

Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar said that there were some concerns on section 230 of the bill., which were resolved during a parliamentary committee meeting chaired by Ayaz Sadiq on Tuesday.