The court’s ruling declared PTI eligible for
reserved seats, overturning the Election
Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) earlier stance
News Desk
Islamabad: The Supreme Court of Pakistan has issued a detailed 70-page judgement in the reserved seats case, ruling in favor of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The verdict, written by Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, was made available on Monday, two months after the court’s initial decision on July 12.
The court’s ruling declared PTI eligible for seats reserved for women and minorities, overturning the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) earlier stance. A full court bench led by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa delivered the decision with an 8-5 majority, with notable dissent from justices including Yahya Afridi and Amin-ud-Din Khan.
ECP Criticized for Failing Constitutional Duties
The verdict highlighted the ECP’s failure to perform its constitutional duties, stating that the Commission had overstepped its role as a neutral body. The court’s rebuke extended to two dissenting justices, Amin-ud-Din Khan and Naeem Akhtar Afghan, for remarks undermining the integrity of the institution.
“The Commission’s role is not merely administrative but that of a guarantor of democratic processes,” the judgement stressed, emphasizing that the ECP must uphold free and fair elections to preserve the nation’s democratic fabric. The court criticized the ECP for acting as a “primary contesting party” rather than an impartial entity.
Impact on PTI’s Political Standing
The ruling annulled a previous decision by the Peshawar High Court, affirming that PTI’s reserved seats in the National and provincial assemblies should be reinstated. The court acknowledged the importance of electoral integrity, stating that denying these rights would undermine democracy.
The judgement also touched on PTI’s right to contest future elections, including the allocation of its election symbol, noting that the ECP’s previous decisions were unjust and had caused confusion regarding PTI’s status.
Legal and Political Implications
The Supreme Court’s detailed verdict not only reshaped PTI’s political standing but also set a precedent for how electoral disputes are handled. The judgement emphasized the importance of the ECP adhering to its constitutional role without overstepping its authority.
By ensuring that PTI retains its reserved seats, the court reinforced the importance of proportional representation and democratic fairness in Pakistan’s political landscape.
