PTI-SIC reserved seats: Supreme Court to announce much-anticipated verdict soon
1. Full bench led by CJP Isa held 2nd round of consultations on reserved seats verdict on Thursday, say sources
The Supreme Court of Pakistan is set to announce its much-anticipated verdict today (Friday) on the case concerning the denial of reserved seats to the PTI-backed Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC). This decision follows extensive deliberations and a special session chaired by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, with the full 13-member bench participating.
Key Points:
1. **Background**:
- The issue originated after over 80 PTI-backed independent candidates won in the February 8 elections and joined the SIC to claim reserved seats for minorities and women.
- The ECP denied these seats, citing PTI’s failure to submit a list of candidates by the deadline.
- The PHC upheld the ECP’s decision, prompting the SIC to appeal to the Supreme Court.
2. **Supreme Court Proceedings**:
- The full bench, led by CJP Qazi Faez Isa, held nine hearings before reserving the verdict on Tuesday.
- The government and ECP argued against the SIC's plea, emphasizing procedural compliance and the necessity for contesting parties to submit candidate lists.
3. **Political Implications**:
- The PHC decision had allowed the ruling coalition (PML-N, PPP, and others) to secure a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly.
- The SC’s suspension of the PHC and ECP decisions temporarily altered this majority.
4. **Reserved Seats Case**:
- The dispute revolves around the allocation of 67 women and 11 minority reserved seats in assemblies.
- The case is significant as it affects the balance of power in both the National Assembly and provincial assemblies.
5. **Additional Context**:
- The issue is also linked to the ECP’s earlier decision declaring PTI’s intra-party elections unlawful, which led to the revocation of their 'bat' symbol.
- The PTI candidates had to contest the February 8 polls as independents, later joining the SIC to claim the reserved seats.
The announcement of this verdict will be a landmark decision, determining whether the PTI-backed SIC is entitled to the reserved seats and potentially reshaping the political landscape in Pakistan.
