In the aftermath of the general elections, the political landscape of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly has witnessed a significant transformation, marked by the emergence of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) as the predominant political force. Following a substantial influx of independent members aligning themselves with the SIC, the party has solidified its position as the largest entity in the assembly.
A remarkable development ensued with approximately 90 independent members joining ranks with the Sunni Ittehad Council, consolidating its influence and representation within the provincial legislature. This surge in membership has propelled the SIC to the forefront of political dynamics in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The ramifications of this political realignment extend to the allocation of reserved seats for women and minorities in the assembly. Out of the 26 reserved seats for women, the SIC is poised to secure an overwhelming majority, with an expected allocation of 21 seats. Additionally, all four reserved seats for minorities are anticipated to be claimed by the party, further cementing its dominance in the assembly.
Meanwhile, other political entities have also witnessed modest gains in membership. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has seen an increase in its representation with the inclusion of three independent members, bringing its total count to eight in the provincial assembly. This expansion enables the PML-N to secure two seats reserved for women.
Similarly, the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) is set to receive two seats for women, augmenting its presence in the KP Assembly to seven members. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), comprising four members, is expected to secure one seat for women.
The surge in independent members aligning with the Sunni Ittehad Council underscores a significant shift in power dynamics within the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly. With a strengthened representation and increased influence, the SIC is poised to shape policy agendas and spearhead legislative initiatives in the province, heralding a new era of political prominence and strategic positioning within the regional landscape.
Digital Content Associate | Research Analyst | Research Writer | Project Management and M&E Expert
