Disqualification of Convicted Lawmakers Under Article 63(1)(h) Clarified

Islamabad: Members of the National Assembly convicted of terrorism charges have faced immediate disqualification under Article 63(1)(h) of the Constitution. Election Commission sources have confirmed that in such a case, neither the approval of the Speaker of the National Assembly nor the Chairman of the Senate is required.

According to sources, various clauses of Article 63 of the Constitution describe disqualification in two different ways. If a member has been convicted of a criminal offence, he is automatically disqualified under clause (g) or (h) and the Election Commission only implements the constitutional process.

Section 232 of the Election Act 2017 also makes it clear that such persons will be considered disqualified from holding public office. The sources further said that the Commission will soon issue a formal notification of disqualification, fulfilling the legal requirements.