ISLAMABAD: In a recent development, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political and Public Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, has openly criticized the Supreme Court’s verdict regarding the allocation of reserved seats for independent candidates. Sanaullah expressed that the ruling contradicts the Constitution’s explicit directives for independent candidates.
The senior leader of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) highlighted that the Constitution mandates independent candidates to affiliate with political parties within three days post-election. However, the Supreme Court’s decision allows a 15-day window for these candidates, a move Sanaullah deems unconstitutional. He further argued that the two-week extension for processing these affiliations could lead to increased “horse-trading.”
Rana Sanaullah emphasized that the judiciary should not have the authority to alter the Constitution, a power reserved for the parliament. He criticized the Supreme Court for overstepping its jurisdiction in this matter.
In a significant legal victory for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), founded by Imran Khan, the Supreme Court ruled that the party is eligible for the allocation of reserved seats. This decision facilitates PTI’s return to parliament, following their removal in the February 8 polls due to an Election Commission of Pakistan ruling in December 2023. The verdict shifts the composition of the National Assembly, intensifying the pressure on the coalition government.
Regarding Imran Khan’s recent legal troubles, Sanaullah expressed concerns that Khan’s release from jail would only incite further political turmoil. He linked Khan and his party to the May 9, 2023, riots and criticized their campaign against defense institution heads.
Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were recently arrested in a new National Accountability Bureau (NAB) reference concerning Toshakhana gifts. This followed their acquittal in the “iddat case,” leading to their seven-year prison sentence and a fine of Rs500,000 each for fraudulent marriage.
Sanaullah underscored that while Khan has the right to defend himself, the prosecution equally deserves to pursue trials, emphasizing that legal proceedings should not be obstructed.
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