Govt rejects reports of raising voting age to 25 amid constitutional amendment speculation

ISLAMABAD: Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on Monday categorically dismissed reports suggesting that the government was considering a proposal to increase the minimum voting age from 18 to 25 years, calling such claims baseless rumours.

“Why should we comment on rumours? No such proposal is under our consideration,” Tarar said while responding to a media query regarding reports linked to discussions surrounding a possible 28th Constitutional Amendment.

The debate surfaced after Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs Rana Sanaullah recently revealed during a television interview that proposals related to the voting age were being discussed in the context of constitutional reforms.

Speaking on Geo News programme “Jirga”, Sanaullah had argued that if the minimum age to contest elections remained 25 years, then there should also be a debate on whether the voting age should be aligned accordingly. He also suggested that, alternatively, the age for contesting elections could be reduced to 18 years.

Under Pakistan’s existing electoral laws, every citizen aged 18 years or above is eligible to be registered as a voter, provided they meet residency requirements within the relevant electoral constituency.

The reports triggered reactions from opposition parties and lawmakers, who warned against any move that could restrict youth participation in the democratic process.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said he did not consider the proposal a serious one, stressing that young people formed a vital segment of society and democracy.

“According to the United Nations, individuals between the ages of 15 and 29 are considered youth,” Gohar told reporters at Parliament House. He warned that depriving 18-year-olds of the right to vote would negatively affect democratic representation.

JUI-F Senator Kamran Murtaza also opposed the idea, arguing that if an 18-year-old citizen is legally recognised as an adult and allowed to marry, then they should also retain the constitutional right to vote.

“If a person is mature enough to understand marriage, they can also understand the law and democratic responsibilities,” he remarked.

The controversy emerged amid continued speculation over a possible 28th Constitutional Amendment, though senior government leaders have denied that any final proposals are currently under consideration.

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar recently stated that there were no clear indications of a new constitutional amendment at present, emphasising that any such move would require broad political consensus among coalition partners and stakeholders.

Similarly, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has also said that no formal discussions had yet taken place regarding a 28th Amendment, while reaffirming his party’s commitment to protecting provincial autonomy and democratic rights.