” PHC issues stay order on reserved seats oaths ” | Digital Taraqqi Online

PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has issued an injunction till tomorrow, when the matter will be sent to a larger bench in the case related to the reserved seats of Sunni Ittehad Council. The candidates have been barred from taking oath on reserved seats for women in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assembly.

Earlier, the PHC reserved its decision on the contentious issue of reserved seats for women. Central to the dispute is the participation of PTI candidates in the election as independents, a move contested vigorously by the petitioner’s lawyer.

PHC reserves verdict on Sunni Ittehad Council’s reserved seats

Citing established regulations, the lawyer argued that independent candidates are obligated to affiliate with a political party within a three-day timeframe, a contention that has become pivotal in the courtroom deliberations.

Of particular concern is the allocation of 22 seats to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-backed Sunni Ittehad Council, a move vigorously opposed by the petitioner’s legal representative. Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim raised questions regarding the scope of the writ, querying whether it applies exclusively to the provincial assembly or extends to the national assembly as well.

Adding another layer of complexity, the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) decision regarding the allocation of seats in both the National and Provincial Assembly mirrored the petitioner’s stance, further complicating the legal landscape.

Justice Shakeel Ahmed echoed the petitioner’s argument, asserting that the contested seats cannot be allocated to any other entity, underscoring the gravity of the matter at hand. However, dissenting views surfaced within the courtroom, with member Qazi Anwar Advocate expressing reservations in a written note.

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As the proceedings unfolded, Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim raised a pertinent query regarding the potential vacancy of the disputed seats, further fuelling speculation and anticipation surrounding the court’s impending decision. Additionally, the Court has issued a stay order prohibiting the National Assembly from administering oaths to members occupying reserved seats.