ISLAMABAD : July 26,2023: In a surprising move, Pakistan People Party (PPP) took a big U turn on its earlier position on amendment in Section 230 of the Election Act , empowering the future caretaker set up to take key economic decisions during its tenure.
PPP’s changed stance on award of additional powers to the caretakers made it possible for the government to get its bill passed from the joint sitting of the parliament today.
The amendment in Section 230 of the Election Act 2017 is self explanatory . If the caretakers are coming for max 90 days, there makes no sense to give it additional powers to take crucial national decisions . The caretakers mean caretakers who are supposed to look after day-to-day affairs of the state and ensure fair and free general elections in stipulated period in the country .
Yes. the caretakers may need such authority to take long terms financial decisions if they are coming for indefinite period.
No one in Pakistan can say on authority that the next elections are going to be held in Pakistan max 90 days after dissolution of the national assembly . Even the ruling alliance is not aware why its leaders were in such a haste to give unpredictable and unnecessary powers to the caretakers.
PPP had strongly opposed the idea of awarding uncalled powers to the caretakers 24 hours ago, but its parliamentarians did not oppose the bill having critical amendment in Section 230 of the Election Act 2017.
Finally, the joint sitting of the parliament approved all proposed amendments in the Election Act including one in Section 230 . The bill will come into force as a law once its signed by the president of Pakistan.
