Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has filed an application with the Supreme Court seeking to join as a party in a significant legal matter concerning reserved seats. Originating from an appeal by the Sunni Ittehad Council against a decision by the Peshawar High Court, the case has drawn attention due to its implications for the allocation of reserved seats in elections.
Attorney General Mansoor Awan has submitted detailed written arguments to the Supreme Court in support of upholding the Peshawar High Court’s ruling, which denied reserved seats to the Sunni Ittehad Council. Awan’s argument hinges on the legal requirement that reserved seats are exclusively allocated to political parties that participate in elections and win at least one seat, along with the mandatory submission of a specified list for these seats. He underscored that these seats are specifically reserved to ensure representation of minorities and women in elected bodies, aiming to promote inclusivity and diversity within the political landscape.
According to Awan, the Sunni Ittehad Council did not meet the criteria as they neither participated in the elections nor submitted the requisite list for reserved seats. This stance underscores a strict adherence to electoral laws aimed at maintaining fairness and accountability in the electoral process.
Meanwhile, PTI’s move to intervene underscores its interest in the outcome of this case, potentially influencing how reserved seats are allocated in future elections. The Supreme Court now faces the decision of whether to accept PTI’s application to become a party in the proceedings, which could impact the final verdict on the allocation of these critical electoral seats.
As the legal proceedings unfold, stakeholders and the public await the Supreme Court’s decision, which will not only decide the fate of the disputed reserved seats but also set a precedent for how electoral laws regarding reserved seats are interpreted and applied in Pakistan’s political arena.
