ISLAMABAD: The Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) has formally commenced the procedural steps by submitting an application for reserved seats to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). A noteworthy development is the collaboration between independent candidates backed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the SIC, as they strategically unite to secure reserved seats and form a cohesive parliamentary group.
The current alignment with the SIC boasts substantial representation, with 86 members from the National Assembly, 85 from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, 105 from the Punjab Assembly, and nine from the Sindh Assembly.
Each of these members has officially submitted affidavits, solidifying their affiliation with the SIC. This collective commitment elevates the count of independent candidates associated with the council to a formidable 285.
The Election Commission of Pakistan’s Research and Information branch has duly received and processed the SIC’s application, assigning it a unique identification number.
The decision to align with the SIC was officially declared by the PTI on February 19. This strategic alliance entails PTI candidates joining forces with the religio-political party, aiming to secure reserved seats in both the national and provincial assemblies.
During a press conference, PTI leader Gohar Khan, accompanied by Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen Chairman Allama Raja Nasir and SIC Chairman Mohammad Hamid Raza, announced the party’s commitment to the collaboration.
Gohar Khan stated, “We have decided that in the national and provincial assembly will hopefully join the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC).” This move signals a coordinated effort between PTI and SIC, suggesting a mutual understanding for a joint approach to secure representation in reserved seats across key legislative bodies.
