Row Erupts in Pakistan Over Proposal to Raise Voting Age to 25

Islamabad: A proposal under discussion in Pakistan to raise the voting age from 18 to 25 has triggered fierce criticism from opposition leaders, activists and civil society groups, who describe the move as an attempt to disenfranchise millions of young voters.

The controversy erupted after Rana Sanaullah revealed during a television interview that the proposal was being discussed as part of a possible constitutional amendment. He argued that if candidates must be at least 25 to contest elections, the voting age should also reflect the same standard of maturity.

However, Sanaullah clarified that the proposal does not yet represent official government policy.

The proposal drew immediate backlash from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, with party leaders calling it “political panic disguised as reform.” Critics noted that Pakistan allows 18-year-olds to work, marry, pay taxes and serve in the military, questioning why they should be denied the right to vote.

Researchers say nearly 30 million Pakistanis aged between 18 and 24 could lose voting rights if the change is approved, representing almost a quarter of the electorate.

Pakistan lowered its voting age from 21 to 18 in 2002, and any reversal would require a constitutional amendment backed by a two-thirds parliamentary majority.