The Himalayan Research Institute (THRIP) is pleased to publish "Same Quota, Different Voices: Elite and Professional Women Parliamentarians on Reserved Seats in Pakistan's National Assembly, 2024–2026", by Afifa Kamran and Sanwal Hussain Kharl.

Since 2002, Pakistan's gender quota has guaranteed women 60 seats in the National Assembly. This report asks a less-explored question: which women does the quota bring in, and what do they do once there?

Drawing on two years of National Assembly records (2024–2026), the report finds:

1. 61% of women on reserved seats come from established political families

2. 74% of professional women took part in plenary debates, compared with 42% of elite women

3. 35% of professional women introduced a private member's bill, against 11% of elite women

The quota secures women's presence in Parliament, but party patronage continues to limit their voice. Who enters Parliament, and by which route, shapes how women represent.

The report sets out seven policy recommendations, including transparent nominations verified by the Election Commission of Pakistan, democracy within parties, and 50% reserved seats for women in local government.

Read the full report: [link]

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