Today, after nine hearings, the Supreme Court announced its verdict on the case concerning reserved seats filed by Sunni Ittehad Council.
The Supreme Court declared the decision issued by the Peshawar High Court as annulled and unconstitutional. Additionally, the decision by the Election Commission was deemed to be against the constitution.
In its remarks, the Supreme Court affirmed that PTI (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf) is a recognized political party eligible to obtain reserved seats. PTI has been instructed to submit a list containing names for reserved seats within 15 days. Specifically, seats allocated for women and religious minorities are to be given to PTI, as per the Supreme Court’s verdict.
Furthermore, the Supreme Court clarified that all remaining 41 members who claim affiliation with Sunni Ittehad Council can submit their certificates of association. However, they must take their oath in the name of PTI and cannot be recognized as independents or members of any other party. Sunni Ittehad Council itself is not eligible to obtain reserved seats.
Concluding its judgment, the Supreme Court highlighted that the Election Commission failed to fulfill its constitutional obligations and must therefore redistribute the reserved seats accordingly.
