Caretaker govt to get enhance powers

ISLAMABAD: The government is poised to make amendments to Section 230 of the Election Act 2017, which pertains to the functions of a caretaker government, before the conclusion of its term.

As per the current Section 230, a caretaker (interim) government is limited to performing its functions for day-to-day matters necessary to run the government affairs.

Under the proposed reforms, the powers of the caretaker government would be significantly expanded to address matters of national significance, going beyond day-to-day affairs.

Reliable sources indicate that both houses of Parliament are expected to independently adopt the Electoral Reforms Bill, introducing substantial changes to the Election Act-2017 this week.

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These amendments aim to strengthen the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) further, with the goal of ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections.

In light of the upcoming federal cabinet meeting early this week, a comprehensive bill is set to receive approval and subsequently be presented in the National Assembly by Law and Justice Minister Senator Muhammad Azam Nazir Tarar.

The sources also reveal that the amendments in the act are likely to be passed by the Senate by the end of the week.

The proposed legislation will empower the caretaker government to function similarly to an elected government in handling international affairs and exercising sovereign decision-making authority.

Furthermore, the caretakers will be enabled to address provincial issues in a manner similar to an elected government, including fiscal matters.

The bill is also expected to incorporate the recommendations of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja, who had previously sought enhanced powers for the Commission to undertake specific actions.

Meanwhile, during an interview with a local television channel, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed the amendment to section 230 of the election law, stating that the country cannot be entrusted solely to a government for day-to-day decisions.