” PHC reserves verdict on Sunni Ittehad Council’s reserved seats ” | Digital Taraqqi Online

PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court has reserved verdict on the case concerning the non-allotment of reserved seats to the Sunni Ittehad Council.

The matter at hand revolves around the allocation of reserved seats for women, with particular focus on candidates affiliated with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) who participated in the election as independents, as highlighted by the petitioner’s lawyer.

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During the proceedings, the lawyer representing the petitioner underscored that according to electoral regulations, independent candidates are obligated to join a political party within three days of the election. However, he pointed out that 22 seats were allocated to the PTI-backed Sunni Ittehad Council, raising questions about the adherence to electoral protocols.

Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim, presiding over the case, posed a crucial query regarding the scope of the writ, questioning whether it pertains solely to the provincial assembly or extends to the national assembly as well. Responding to this, the petitioner’s lawyer highlighted that the Election Commission had rendered a similar decision concerning the allocation of seats in both the National and Provincial Assemblies.

The courtroom atmosphere intensified as Justice Shakeel Ahmed articulated the crux of the petitioner’s argument, emphasising that the contested seats cannot be allocated to any other entity. Echoing this sentiment, Qazi Anwar Advocate highlighted a dissenting note penned by a member, further underscoring the complexity of the legal dispute.

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As the deliberations progressed, Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim raised a pertinent question about the potential outcome, querying whether the disputed seats would remain vacant pending a resolution. The query underscores the pressing need for a swift and judicious decision to address the uncertainty surrounding the allocation of reserved seats.

The outcome of this legal battle holds significant implications for the political landscape, particularly concerning the adherence to electoral regulations.