The eight-member judges’ bench of the Supreme Court of Pakistan (PCB) has issued another clarification regarding the issue of allocating Parliament-reserved seats to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
In response to a request by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), eight judges provided an explanation, stating that the July 12 verdict could not rendered ineffective through amendments to the Election Act.
The clarification further solidifies the court's stance on the matter, ensuring that previous rulings remain unaffected by legislative changes.
The explanation stated that the amendment to the Election Act would not apply retrospectively and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) was bound to implement the court decision without seeking any further explanation.
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Supreme Court declares Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf eligible for reserved seats
In July, the Supreme Court set aside the Peshawar High Court and election commission verdicts and declared the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) eligible for reserved seats in the case of the Sunni Ittehad Council.
The 8-5 majority verdict was announced by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa, who is heading a 13-member full court of the Supreme Court. The proceedings are being broadcast live. All the judges have recognized the PTI as a legal and competent party.
The Supreme Court declared that the deprivation of an election symbol does not terminate the right of a party to participate in elections. The PTI was and is a political party. The election commission submitted the data of 80 candidates to the Supreme Court.
It further said that the 39 candidates whose affiliation was shown with the PTI will remain the successful candidates of the PTI. The remaining 41 candidates can also submit their affidavits within 15 days that they were candidates of the same party. The PTI has been ordered to submit its list for reserved seats within 15 days.
Also Read: Sunni Ittehad Council reserved seats case - a timeline
The order stated that if the election commission and the PTI want an explanation, they can approach the court. The Supreme Court declared the election on additional reserved seats null and void, adding that the PTI will get reserved seats in the National and provincial assemblies.
It ordered the election commission to issue notifications of reserved seats as per the PTI's list. The decision will be applied to Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh Assembly as well, the Supreme Court ruled.
