A recent report by the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) has exposed significant gaps in the digital presence and transparency of political parties in Pakistan. The study found that only 58 out of 166 party websites are partially or fully functional, meaning just 35% meet basic accessibility standards.
Among the 20 parties represented in parliament, only 14 have working websites. The report highlights a severe lack of compliance with constitutional requirements, as most parties fail to publish essential information such as lists of office bearers, executive committee members, or financial records. Shockingly, only one party shared its financial statements, while none disclosed candidate selection methods or General Council details.
Jamaat-e-Islami’s website was rated the most informative, providing comprehensive data. In contrast, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s site remains inaccessible without a VPN, raising concerns about digital inclusivity. FAFEN emphasized that social media cannot replace official websites, particularly in ensuring financial and operational transparency for voters. The findings call for urgent reforms to strengthen democratic accountability in Pakistan’s political landscape.
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