PTI objects to its seats on electoral reforms committee, seeks proportional share
PTI has objected to the proposed makeup of the Electoral Reforms Committee and wants opposition seats allotted by parliamentary strength. Meanwhile PML-N is considering giving up some of its own seats to fit in coalition partners.
- PTI objects to being offered only five seats on the committee.
- PTI wants opposition parties represented in proportion to their parliamentary strength.
- Joint opposition meets on November 4 to agree a response.
- PML-N is considering cutting its share to include smaller allies.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has raised objections to the proposed composition of the Electoral Reforms Committee, according to a report by 24 News citing sources. The party has decided to pass on its concerns to the federal government through the joint opposition.
PTI objects to the proposal to include only five of its members in the committee. According to the report, the government and its allied parties would together hold 15 seats. PTI has proposed that opposition parties receive committee representation in proportion to their strength in parliament.
The report said the government has begun efforts to bring PTI representatives into the committee. PTI will hold a joint opposition meeting on November 4 to discuss the committee's composition and agree a collective response. After consultations, the joint opposition will finalise its position and send a formal reply to the federal government.
On the government side, Daily Times and Daily Pakistan reported that PML-N is considering reducing its proportionate share of seats in the Parliamentary Committee on Electoral Reforms. Government sources said the aim is to accommodate smaller coalition partners that might otherwise lack dedicated representation under strict numerical formulas.
Under the proposal, PML-Q, the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party and PML-Zia would each be able to nominate one National Assembly member. Daily Pakistan reported that PML-N's representation would fall below its current nine seats as a result. Government sources said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif wants to take all allied parties along.
Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry has written to PPP Chief Whip Ejaz Jakhrani and MQM Chief Whip Aminul Haque asking for names for the committee. Under proportional representation, the PPP would have five National Assembly members on the committee and MQM one.
Legislative offices are preparing to finalise the roster following directives from the National Assembly Speaker, and government whips expect to submit the final list to the Speaker's office in the coming days. The committee is expected to review election laws, technical procedures and administrative mechanisms, and look at proposals to improve transparency and prevent irregularities in future polls.
Why it matters
The committee's makeup will influence how changes to the running of national elections are shaped, and the seat dispute affects both the opposition and government coalition parties.
