Reserved Seats Case: Supreme Court Orders Allocation to PTI
Islamabad (July 13, 2024) – In a significant ruling on the Reserved Seats Case, the Supreme Court has ordered the allocation of reserved seats to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). A thirteen-member full bench of the Supreme Court, led by Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, delivered this landmark decision. The court declared the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) previous decision to allocate these seats to other parties as unconstitutional, reaffirming PTI’s status as a political party.Supreme Court’s Decision on Reserved Seats Case
The Election Commission’s decision was against the constitution. PTI has the right to reserved seats in the National Assembly and all provincial assemblies. PTI must submit its list of candidates to the Election Commission within 15 days, stated the Supreme Court.The court’s decision further emphasized that
PTI should submit its application for reserved seats to the Election Commission within 15 days. The Election Commission of Pakistan’s decision has been declared unconstitutional and illegal.Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, announcing the decision, remarked that the Election Commission’s ruling was unconstitutional.
PTI was and will remain a political party. PTI should submit its application for reserved seats to the Election Commission within 15 days.
Key Points from the Supreme Court Order
1. Election Commission’s Decision Declared Unconstitutional:
- The March 6, 2024, decision of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) was declared unconstitutional and beyond legal authority.
2. Restoration of PTI’s Reserved Seats:
- PTI was given the right to reserved seats for women and minorities in the National Assembly and provincial assemblies.
3. Submission of Nomination Papers:
- PTI must submit its list of candidates to the Election Commission within 15 working days.
4. Clarification of Articles 51 and 106:
- The court clarified that the Election Commission does not have the authority to declare the nominated candidates of any political party as independent candidates.
5. Constitutional Status of the Election Commission:
- The Election Commission’s decision regarding reserved seats was declared illegal, contrary to the constitution.
6. New Constitutional Language:
- The court stated that adding new words to the Constitution is tantamount to an amendment and is equivalent to rewriting the Constitution.
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Political Reactions and Impact
Following the court’s decision, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar addressed the media, saying,Today’s decision is in our favor. PTI has been reinstated. We have won the legal battle; now we need to win the political battle.Various political leaders also expressed their views on the decision. PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah commented,
We cannot call the court’s decision a conspiracy. Judges are also human and their opinions can differ.Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said,
We partially accept the Supreme Court’s decision. We express goodwill towards PTI.
MQM MNA Mustafa Kamal criticized, “Today’s decision is not in accordance with the spirit of the constitution and law. PTI was not even a party to the case but a decision was given in its favor.”
Senator Faisal Vawda predicted, “The Supreme Court’s decision will harm PTI itself. A forward bloc will emerge within 15 days.”PTI workers celebrated the decision nationwide, marking it as a significant victory. The Supreme Court’s ruling on the Reserved Seats Case has introduced a new turn in the political environment and sparked a fresh debate among various political parties. This decision could prove to be a crucial turning point in Pakistan’s political history and may play an important role in the upcoming elections.