Stealing the future

Pakistan political landscape is bracing for significant upheaval after senior ruling party figure Rana Sanaullah indicated the government is again considering a constitutional amendment to raise the national voting age from 18 to 25. This move, discussed as part of deliberations for the 28th constitutional amendment, could disenfranchise an estimated 22 million young voters, or 16% of the electorate, primarily targeting the youth base of the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). This proposal, which Sanaullah floated earlier in January and again now, is being swiftly dismissed by other ministers as "rumours," yet reflects a pattern of democratic regression observed under the current administration. With over 46% of the electorate aged 18-35, and Gen Z constituting nearly 30% of the population, analysts see this as a transparent attempt to curtail the electoral power of a politically active youth cohort, whose participation surged in the 2024 elections and largely favors PTI. The backlash from opposition parties and civil society has been immediate, framing the move as a desperate maneuver to perpetuate power and alienate a restless generation. Should the government push ahead, it risks exacerbating political instability and deepening youth mistrust in the system, potentially fueling widespread discontent and challenging the very foundations of Pakistan democratic future.