Islamabad : The Election Commission of Pakistan has expressed deep concern over the non-taking of oath by women and non-Muslim members elected on reserved seats of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly.
A letter issued by the Secretary of the Election Commission stated that a notification of successful candidates on reserved seats for women and non-Muslims was issued on July 2, 2025, but these members have not yet been sworn in. As a result, they are neither able to attend the meetings of the Provincial Assembly nor are they eligible to participate in any kind of voting.
The letter said that the date of the Senate elections has been fixed for July 21, 2025, however, due to court cases and other legal complications, the oath-taking of successful members on reserved seats is postponed.
The Election Commission said that earlier, the Speaker had been requested to administer the oath to the Provincial Assembly, however, the Speaker informed that the assembly session was not currently in session and he was not authorized to call a session on his own.
The letter, citing Articles 109 and 105 of the Constitution, said that the Governor has the power to call a session of the Provincial Assembly, but he will exercise this power in consultation with the Chief Minister or the Cabinet. In this regard, the Peshawar High Court has also clarified in its decision of March 27, 2024 that the provincial government should take all necessary steps for the oath-taking of members on reserved seats.
According to experts, if the oath is not taken, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s representation in the Senate elections could be affected, which could lead to a constitutional crisis.
