A new proposal to raise the voting age in Pakistan from 18 to 25 has sparked widespread controversy and strong criticism across the country. The idea is reportedly being discussed as part of a possible 28th Constitutional Amendment.
Critics say the move could disenfranchise nearly 30 million young voters, who make up around 23.7% of the total electorate. Opposition parties, especially PTI, have strongly condemned the proposal, calling it undemocratic and an attempt to silence the voice of the youth.
Legal experts and civil society activists have also raised serious concerns. They argue that increasing the voting age would violate international democratic standards and reduce the representation of young people in the political system.
PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah clarified that the proposal is still under discussion and has not been made official government policy. He said the idea was to align the voting age with the minimum age required to contest elections.
However, the mere discussion of this change has created a heated debate on social media and in political circles. Many young Pakistanis see it as an attempt to weaken their political power and participation in democracy.
