Registering a political party in Pakistan is a crucial step in participating in the democratic process of the

country. Political parties are essential in ensuring that the voices of the people are represented and their
concerns addressed. The process of registering a political party in Pakistan is a detailed and thorough
process that involves several steps and legal requirements.

Step 1: Choosing a Name for Your Political Party

The first step in registering a political party in Pakistan is to select a name for your party. The name
should be unique and distinguishable from the names of other political parties and organizations. It
should not contain any offensive or objectionable language. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP)
maintains a list of prohibited names that you should review before selecting a name for your political
party.

Step 2: Preparing the Party Constitution

The second step is to prepare the party constitution. The constitution is a legal document that outlines
the purpose and objectives of the party, the structure and hierarchy of the party, the rules and
regulations for membership, and the procedures for the election of party officials. The constitution
should also outline the party's stance on important issues and its overall philosophy.

Step 3: Holding a Founding Convention

Once you have prepared the party constitution, you need to hold a founding convention. The convention
should be attended by at least 25 founding members of the party. During the convention, the party
constitution should be adopted, and the party's leadership should be elected. The leadership of the
party should include a president, general secretary, and treasurer.

Step 4: Applying for Registration

After the founding convention, you need to apply for registration with the Election Commission of
Pakistan (ECP). The application form can be downloaded from the ECP website or obtained from the ECP
office. The application form should be filled out completely and accurately.

Step 5: Submitting Required Documents

Along with the application form, you will need to submit several documents to the ECP. These
documents include:

1. A copy of the party constitution

2. A list of founding members

3. Copies of the National Identity Cards of founding members

4. Proof of payment of the registration fee (Rs. 100,000)

5. The documents should be submitted to the ECP within two weeks of the founding convention.
Step 6: Awaiting Verification

Once the application and required documents are submitted, the ECP will verify the documents and
conduct an inquiry into the party's aims and objectives. The ECP may also ask for additional information
or clarification during the verification process. The ECP may also seek input from government agencies,
security agencies, or other relevant stakeholders.

Step 7: Receiving the Registration Certificate

If the ECP is satisfied with the documents and information submitted, it will issue a registration
certificate. This certificate confirms that your political party has been registered with the ECP. The
registration certificate should be displayed prominently at the party's headquarters.

Step 8: Submitting Periodic Reports

Once your political party is registered, you will need to submit periodic reports to the ECP. These reports
include financial statements, membership details, and other relevant information about the party's
activities. The reports should be submitted on time and in compliance with the ECP's guidelines.

In conclusion, registering a political party in Pakistan is a comprehensive process that requires careful
planning, attention to detail, and adherence to legal requirements. The process can take several weeks
or months, and it is essential to be patient and persistent. By following the above steps and seeking
guidance from legal and political experts, you can successfully register your political party with the
Election Commission of Pakistan and participate in the democratic process of the country.

Refer to some websites about this subject

Here are some websites where you can find more information about registering a political party in
Pakistan:

Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) - Political Parties Registration: The ECP is the regulatory body
responsible for registering political parties in Pakistan. Their website provides detailed information on
the registration process, including forms, guidelines, and instructions.

Website: https://www.ecp.gov.pk/frmGenericPage.aspx?PageID=5016

Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan: The Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan is a statutory
body that advises the government on legal matters. Their website provides information on the legal
framework for political parties in Pakistan, including the Political Parties Order, 2002.

Website: http://www.ljcp.gov.pk/laws/political_parties_order_2002.html

Pakistan Penal Code: The Pakistan Penal Code is the primary criminal law code of Pakistan. It includes
provisions related to political parties, including the registration and regulation of political parties.

Website: https://www.pakistani.org/pakistan/legislation/1860/actXLVof1860.html
Political Parties Act, 2002: The Political Parties Act, 2002, is the law that governs the registration and
regulation of political parties in Pakistan. The Act sets out the legal requirements for political parties,
including registration, constitution, and reporting obligations.

Website: https://www.ecp.gov.pk/frmGenericPage.aspx?PageID=80

Pakistan Bar Council: The Pakistan Bar Council is the regulatory body for lawyers in Pakistan. Their
website provides information on legal issues related to political parties, including the registration and
regulation of political parties.

Website: http://www.pakistanbarcouncil.org/index.php?
option=com_content&view=article&id=237&Itemid=309