ISLAMABAD, June 22: The Chief Executive and President General Pervez Musharraf on Saturday promulgated the Conduct of General Elections (Amendment) Order, 2002.

The Amendment makes it mandatory for a member of parliament or provincial assembly to be at least a graduate.

The Order comes into force at once. Following is the text of the Order:

An Order Further to amend the Conduct of General Elections Order, 2002.

WHEREAS it is expedient further to amend the Conduct of General Elections Order, 2002 (Chief Executive’s Order No. 7 of 2002), for the purpose hereinafter appearing;

Now, therefore, in pursuance of the proclamation of Emergency of the fourteenth day of October, 1999, and the Provisional Constitution Order No. 1 of 1999, and in exercise of all powers enabling him in that behalf, the Chief Executive of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is pleased to make and promulgate the following Order:

1. Short title and commencement: (1) This Order may be called the Conduct of General Elections (.......Amendment) Order, 2002. (2) It shall come into force at once.

2. Insertion of new Article, Chief Executive’s Order No. 7 of 2002. In the Conduct of General Elections Order, 2002 (Chief Executive’s Order 7 of 2002), after Article 8, the following new Article shall be inserted, namely:

“8A. Educational qualification for a member of Majlis-i-Shoora (Parliament) and a Provincial Assembly: Notwithstanding anything contained in the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973, the Senate (Election) Act, 1975 (LI of 1975), the Representation of People Act, 1976 (LXXXV of 1976), or any other law for the time being in force, a person shall not be qualified to be elected or chosen as a member of Majlis-i-Shoora (Parliament) or a Provincial Assembly unless he is at least a graduate possessing a bachelor degree in any discipline or any degree recognized as equivalent by the University Grants Commission under the University Grants Commission Act, 1974 (XXIII of 1974).” —APP