Amid growing speculation over a possible 28th Constitutional Amendment, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs Rana Sanaullah revealed that the government is considering a proposal to increase the voting age from 18 to 25 years.
The remarks come amid increasing political debate ahead of Eid ul Adha, expected on May 27, over reports that the proposed amendment could revisit aspects of the landmark 18th Amendment passed in 2010 during the Pakistan Peoples Party-led government.
Political analysts say the proposal to raise the voting age could spark wider debate about youth participation in politics, democratic representation, and electoral reforms in Pakistan.
Speaking during a recent discussion on constitutional reforms, Sanaullah said the proposal was being debated alongside broader governance issues.
He argued that if citizens are not allowed to contest elections before the age of 25, then either the minimum age for candidates should be reduced to 18 or the voting age should be reconsidered.
Under Pakistan’s current election laws, citizens aged 18 or above are eligible to vote, provided they are residents of the relevant electoral area. Any change to the voting age would require constitutional and legal amendments.
Sanaullah said discussions surrounding the proposed 28th Amendment also include matters related to National Finance Commission (NFC) resource distribution, population control policies, and the construction of new water reservoirs.
He stressed that the government would only proceed after building consensus among all political stakeholders.
