Tareen contacted after bill limiting lawmakers’ disqualification approved

Lahore: Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) leaders and workers on Sunday congratulated Jahangir Tareen on the passed amendment bill in the National Assembly, which abolishes lifetime disqualification of lawmakers under Article 62 (1) (f).

Following the passage of the amendment in the Election Act 2017, disqualified politicians will now be eligible to participate in elections after serving their sentences.

The Senate had already passed a similar amendment, aligning with the National Assembly's decision. According to the amendment, the maximum disqualification period for lawmakers will be five years, unless otherwise specified in the constitution.

The party's patron-in-chief, Jahangir Tareen, expressed gratitude for the well-wishes from party members while he is currently in London for medical treatment. He is expected to return to Pakistan after Eid-ul-Adha.

The National Assembly's approval of the legislation removes the barrier of lifetime disqualification for individuals like former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, allowing them to contest public office again once the bill is signed into law by the president.

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar presented the Election Act Amendment Bill 2023 as supplementary agenda, which received majority support in the assembly.