Pakistan's National Assembly Passes Controversial Election Act Amendment

The National Assembly of Pakistan passed the Election Act Amendment Bill 2024, stirring controversy, especially from the opposition PTI party. The bill, introduced by PML-N members, restricts independent candidates from joining political parties post-election. PTI deems the amendment unconstitutional and plans to challenge it in the Supreme Court.

On Tuesday, Pakistan's National Assembly passed the Election Act Amendment Bill 2024, a move that has sparked significant controversy, especially among opposition ranks led by the imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan's PTI party.

The bill, which was introduced by members of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), prohibits independent candidates from aligning with political parties following a constitutionally defined period.

PTI vocally protested the bill, calling it an unconstitutional attempt to deprive them of reserved seats and vowing to challenge the legislation in the Supreme Court.

(With inputs from agencies.)