National Assembly Introduces Electronic Transactions Amendment Bill 2026

Pakistan’s National Assembly has introduced the Electronic Transactions (Amendment) Bill 2026 to update the Electronic Transactions Ordinance, 2002, streamline administrative procedures, and improve the functioning of the Electronic Certification Accreditation Council.

The Electronic Transactions Ordinance, 2002 regulates electronic records, electronic signatures, digital transactions, and related certification mechanisms in Pakistan. The government says the amendment was needed to make the law more efficient and align it with legal requirements following the Mustafa Impex case.

What Changed in the Law?

Regulations Added Alongside Rules

The amendment proposes a change in Section 2 of the Electronic Transactions Ordinance, 2002.

In clause (v), after the word “rules,” the words “and regulations made under this Ordinance” will be inserted.

The government says this change will:

• Clarify the scope of legal instruments under the Ordinance
• Include both rules and regulations within the law
• Strengthen the legal framework for electronic transactions
• Support smoother implementation of the Ordinance

Administrative Authority Updated

Section 18 of the Ordinance has also been amended.

In subsection (4), the words “Federal Government” will be replaced with “Prime Minister.”

The government says this amendment will:

• Clearly identify the competent authority
• Improve administrative decision-making
• Reduce ambiguity in regulatory powers
• Ensure smoother functioning of the Electronic Certification Accreditation Council

Governance Reforms Introduced

The amendment is part of broader legal and administrative reforms proposed in light of the Mustafa Impex case. The purpose is to streamline government procedures and ensure that the Electronic Certification Accreditation Council can perform its functions more effectively.

Why This Law Was Needed

According to the Statement of Objects and Reasons, the amendment was introduced to streamline the Electronic Transactions Ordinance, 2002 and make the Electronic Certification Accreditation Council more efficient.

The bill aims to ensure that the Council can perform its functions smoothly and that the law reflects updated administrative requirements.

Key Objectives of the Amendment

• Streamline the Electronic Transactions Ordinance, 2002
• Improve the efficiency of the Electronic Certification Accreditation Council
• Clarify administrative authority
• Include regulations within the legal framework
• Align the law with the Mustafa Impex case
• Strengthen Pakistan’s digital transaction governance system

Pakistan’s National Assembly has introduced the Electronic Transactions (Amendment) Bill 2026 to modernize the legal framework for electronic transactions, improve administrative clarity, and support the effective functioning of the Electronic Certification Accreditation Council.