Reserved Seats
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has taken a significant step in shaping the gender representation landscape in the National Assembly (NA), submitting the names of nine additional women for reserved seats.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had initially allocated 27 reserved seats to the PML-N following the elections on February 8. However, recognizing the completion of the initial list, the party presented an additional nine names for consideration to the electoral body.
The newly submitted names include prominent figures such as Saira Afzal Tarar, Bushra Butt, Huma, Mahjabeen Abbasi, Gulnaz Shehzadi, Shumaila Rana, Maryam Ikram, Shazia Farid, and Syed Amna Batool. These nominees underscore the party’s commitment to promoting diverse and capable women in the parliamentary arena.
It’s noteworthy that the ECP, in a recent development, rejected the Sunni Ittehad Council’s request for reserved seats in the National Assembly. The seats were subsequently distributed among other parties in the house.
This decision has sparked reactions within the political landscape, with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senator Ali Zafar demanding the resignation of the Election Commission of Pakistan.
On the Senate floor, Senator Zafar called for proceedings against Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja under Article 6 of the Constitution, citing treason.
The PTI senator mentioned the party’s preparation of a resolution in this regard, with plans to present it soon.
The unfolding events reflect the dynamic nature of political maneuvering and representation challenges in Pakistan, as parties navigate the allocation of reserved seats and address the broader issue of fair and inclusive political participation.
