A report by the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) has revealed that nearly two-thirds of Pakistan’s political parties lack a functional web presence, despite increasing digital engagement and mandatory legal requirements. The report, Assessing Web Presence of Political Parties in Pakistan, found that only 58 out of 166 registered political parties — roughly 35 per cent — maintain fully or partially operational websites. 

Even among the 20 political parties currently represented in the National Assembly and/or provincial legislatures, just 14 (70pc) had websites that were at least partially functional. This digital shortfall comes in contrast to provisions under Section 208(4) of the Elections Act, 2017, which makes it mandatory for political parties to publish updated lists of their central office bearers and executive committee members on their websites. 

Of the 58 parties with operational websites, only 40 (69pc) had published lists of their central office bearers. Even fewer — just six (10pc) — had disclosed their executive committee members, the report noted. FAFEN pointed out that while many parties maintain active social media profiles, these platforms are not a suitable substitute for structured information. “The short-lived and algorithm-driven nature of social media feeds makes them inadequate for the purpose of transparency and accessibility of information,” the report stated.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)