ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan has convened a 13-member full bench to address the case brought forward by the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) concerning the allocation of reserved seats. The bench, led by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, will hold the hearings on June 24 and 25.
The case arose from the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) decision to deny reserved seats to the SIC in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly. The Peshawar High Court upheld this decision, prompting the SIC to seek recourse from the Supreme Court.
During a previous hearing on June 3, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail highlighted the importance of public participation in the electoral process, noting that voters had cast their ballots for candidates nominated by political parties, not for independents. Justice Athar Minallah questioned whether the ECP had the authority to act against a political party and whether the SIC was registered as such.
Justice Aminuddin inquired if the SIC had contested the elections as a political party. Justice Jamal added that the perception of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) being dissolved implied a weakening of democracy.
The full bench includes Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Yahya Afridi, Justice Aminuddin Khan, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Justice Ayesha Malik, Justice Athar Minallah, Justice Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi, Justice Shahid Waheed, Justice Irfan Saadat Khan, and Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan. Notably, Justice Musarrat Hilali will not be present due to illness.
The hearings will be broadcast live on the Supreme Court’s website and YouTube channel, ensuring transparency and public access to the proceedings. Representing the SIC, lawyers Salman Akram Raja and Faisal Siddiqui, along with the Advocate General of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Shah Faisal Usman, will present their arguments before the court.
This case is significant as it touches on the broader implications for the parliamentary system and the allocation of reserved seats, which are critical for the representation of political parties in legislative bodies.
I am an accomplished graduate of Strategic Studies, driven by a fervent dedication to comprehending global affairs and devising impactful strategies. Equipped with a comprehensive skill set encompassing research, critical thinking, and persuasive communication, I possess a distinctive viewpoint and an unwavering commitment to fostering inclusive decision-making processes. As a versatile individual, I excel in collaborating with diverse groups in various settings, leveraging my strong interpersonal abilities to adapt seamlessly to new environments and surmount any challenges that arise. With a passion for contributing to strategic initiatives, I am eager to leverage my expertise and drive to effect positive change within the field.
