Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Rana Sanaullah said that a proposal to raise the voting age is currently under consideration as part of the upcoming 28th Constitutional Amendment. He made these remarks during a television programme discussion on possible reforms in Pakistan’s constitutional framework. Moreover, he stressed that any final changes would require broad political agreement among all major stakeholders.
Rana Sanaullah explained that the 28th Amendment is being prepared after the completion of the 27th Amendment process, making it the next expected step in constitutional development. He said discussions are ongoing on multiple national issues that may be included depending on consensus among political parties. Furthermore, he highlighted that constitutional reforms will focus on administrative and governance matters rather than institutional restructuring.
Read more : Talks intensify over possible 28th constitutional amendment
He clarified that the proposed amendment would not include any changes related to the armed forces, aiming to avoid controversy in sensitive institutional areas. Additionally, he noted that some political voices support shifting towards a presidential system, but the parliamentary democratic structure remains widely accepted as the most suitable model for the country. Consequently, the government is prioritising stability and continuity in the democratic system.
The minister said that important national matters such as the National Finance Commission award, population growth, water distribution and administrative reforms are being reviewed for possible constitutional inclusion. He added that if political consensus is achieved, these issues could be formally implemented through constitutional amendments in the future. Meanwhile, consultations continue among different parties to evaluate legal and administrative implications of each proposal.
Read more : No sign of 28th Amendment for now, says law minister –
Rana Sanaullah also stated that the proposal to raise the voting age is being seriously examined, linking it with existing rules that set the minimum age for contesting elections at 25 years. He argued that voting carries significant responsibility and may require reassessment of eligibility criteria in light of national governance needs. Moreover, he emphasised that no decision will move forward without agreement among political parties.
He further confirmed that the Pakistan Peoples Party is not in conflict with the government over constitutional discussions, and dialogue remains open among coalition partners. Observers note that any constitutional amendment in Pakistan requires extensive negotiation to ensure political balance and institutional support. Ultimately, the final outcome will depend on consensus-building across the political spectrum.