President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday granted his assent to the Election (Amendment) Bill, 2024, thus enacting it into law.
The bill, which introduces key amendments to Section 140 of the Election Act 2017, was passed by the National Assembly on June 28 and subsequently by the Senate on July 8.
According to a statement issued by the President’s office, the new amendments stipulate that the Chief Justice of the relevant High Court must be consulted when appointing a serving judge to the Election Tribunal. The bill received the President's approval under Article 75 of the Constitution.
The bill’s journey through the legislature saw it presented in the National Assembly by Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N)
Federal Law Minister Nazir Tarar then moved for the bill to be considered and for the suspension of the relevant procedural rules.
The motion was approved by the House, paving the way for the immediate consideration of the bill.
Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar, addressing the assembly, emphasised the importance of restoring Section 140 to its original form, noting that the house of elected representatives holds ultimate authority.
He highlighted that the committee formed on the Election Amendment Act in 2017 included representatives from all parties and faced no dissent.
He argued that delays in decisions due to serving judges acting as election tribunals could be mitigated by including retired High Court judges in the tribunals.
Opposition leader Omar Ayub criticised the bill, while JUI member Alia Kamran expressed intentions to review it further. Despite the opposition, the motion for the bill's consideration was approved, followed by clause-wise approval from the Deputy Speaker.
