National Assembly Passes Elections (Amendment) Act 2024

Published On 31 Jan, 2026
national-assembly-passes-elections-amendment-act-2024

National Assembly Passes Elections (Amendment) Act 2024

What Is This Bill About? 

Pakistan’s National Assembly has approved the Elections (Amendment) Act 2024, making changes to how Election Tribunals are formed and how election disputes are handled.

Election Tribunals are special courts that decide cases about election results and complaints.

What Changes Under the New Law?

✅ 1. Retired Judges Can Now Hear Election Cases

Earlier, only serving High Court judges could act as Election Tribunal members.

Now:

  • Retired High Court judges can also be appointed.

  • Retired District & Sessions Judges can hear local government election cases.

This helps reduce court workload.

✅ 2. Faster Decision on Election Disputes

High Courts already have many pending cases.
Allowing retired judges means:

  • More tribunals can be formed

  • Election petitions can be decided faster

✅ 3. Consultation with High Court Chief Justice

When appointing a sitting judge as tribunal member, the Election Commission must consult the relevant High Court Chief Justice.

Why Was This Amendment Needed?

According to the Statement of Objects and Reasons (page 2), High Courts were overloaded with cases, making it difficult for serving judges to handle election petitions quickly.

The amendment restores earlier rules so retired judges can help ensure swift election justice.

Short Summary

Pakistan has amended election laws to improve handling of election disputes.
Retired judges can now serve in Election Tribunals alongside serving judges.
The move aims to speed up decisions on election petitions.