PHC Holds Decision On Reserved Seats Case

The Peshawar High Court has concluded hearings and reserved its decision regarding the allocation of reserved seats to the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) and their redistribution among other political entities. Presided over by Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim, the five-member bench deferred its ruling following the completion of arguments from both sides, with the announcement slated for 1 pm.

During the proceedings, Barrister Ali Zafar contended that in December 2023, the Election Commission withdrew the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) electoral symbol ‘bat,’ prompting PTI candidates to contest the election independently. Subsequently, in January 2024, the Peshawar High Court overturned the Election Commission’s decision and reinstated the bat symbol. However, the Supreme Court later nullified the PHC’s ruling and upheld the ECP’s decision.

Read more: ECP Denies SIC Request For Reserved Seats

Highlighting subsequent developments, Zafar noted that PTI-supported candidates secured numerous seats in the February 8 elections, with many subsequently joining the SIC. However, despite their numerical representation in various assemblies, the Election Commission denied them the 78 reserved seats they were entitled to, alleging that the SIC was not a recognized political party. Zafar decried this action as akin to a “reserved seat grabbing mafia” orchestrated by other political parties.

Responding to queries from the bench, Zafar underscored the constitutional rights afforded to political parties, emphasizing the distinction between a political party and a parliamentary party. He explained that reserved seats are allocated based on a formula reflecting a party’s electoral performance, stressing the absence of clarity regarding the status of reserved seats in cases where independent candidates secure victories.

In response, Justice Attique Shah sought clarification on the status of reserved seats in scenarios involving independent candidates, prompting Zafar to highlight the constitutional ambiguity surrounding the matter.