Rana Sanaullah Challenges Supreme Court Verdict on Reserved Seats Allocation

Prime Minister's Adviser Rana Sanaullah criticizes the Supreme Court ruling on independent candidates joining political parties, claiming it contradicts constitutional guidelines and could encourage 'horse-trading'. The decision benefits Imran Khan's PTI, altering the National Assembly's composition and intensifying political tension.

Prime Minister's Adviser on Political and Public Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, sharply criticized the recent Supreme Court decision regarding reserved seats, stating it contradicts clear constitutional instructions for independent candidates joining political parties, Geo News reported. The prominent Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader argued the ruling violates Article 51, which stipulates independent candidates must join political parties within three days of the elections.

Speaking on Geo News' Naya Pakistan programme, Sanaullah emphasized the Constitution provides explicit guidelines on managing independent candidates and allocating reserved seats. He claimed the Supreme Court's panel erroneously extended the joining period to 15 days, exceeding constitutional limits.

Sanaullah further lambasted the decision, suggesting the extended timeframe could lead to 'horse-trading.' He asserted, 'The judiciary cannot alter the constitution, but parliament can.' The Supreme Court's decision marked a significant legal win for Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), allowing the party eligibility for reserved seat allocation.

This ruling enables PTI's return to parliament, defying the Election Commission's December 2023 ruling barring their participation in the February elections, and reshuffling the National Assembly's composition. Discussing Imran Khan's potential release amid new charges, Sanaullah warned it could cause political turmoil and unrest, suggesting his continued detention would benefit national stability. He also accused PTI of orchestrating last year's May 9 riots and campaigning against defense leaders, according to Geo News.

(With inputs from agencies.)