PTI Urges Supreme Court for Action on Reserved Seats Verdict

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has appealed to the Supreme Court for the implementation of its decision on reserved seats. Advocate Azhar Bhandari, representing PTI, filed the plea. The SC's landmark ruling has significantly impacted the political landscape, affecting the ruling coalition led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has approached the Supreme Court to enforce its verdict on reserved seats, reported ARY News. Advocate Azhar Bhandari submitted the appeal, urging the judiciary to order the Election Commission to implement the ruling.

The petition asked the court to mandate the Election Commission to certify independent candidates and follow through on the short order from July 12. The PTI called for the court to reject the electoral watchdog's request for clarification on the decision, alleging that the Commission's hesitation has led to undue delays.

A 13-member bench, led by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, ruled in favor of PTI, ruling the party eligible for reserved seats. Justice Mansoor Ali Shah announced the majority 8-5 decision, overturning the Peshawar High Court's order that had supported denying seats to the Sunni Ittehad Council.

This decision, opposed by Chief Justice Isa and four other justices, gained traction after over 80 PTI-backed candidates won in the February 8 elections. The Sunni Ittehad Council approached the Election Commission on February 21 for reserved seats but was denied due to PTI's failure to submit its candidate list on time.

The Peshawar High Court upheld the Election Commission's decision, leading PTI to contest the verdict. The ECP allocated reserved seats across multiple parties, affecting the political dynamics in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assembly and the national coalition.

The PHC's ruling enabled the ruling coalition led by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and others to secure a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly, bringing significant shifts in parliamentary strength.

(With inputs from agencies.)