Pakistan's Political Turmoil: SC Puzzles Over PTI's Merger Decision

Pakistan's Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa expressed confusion over the political 'suicide' committed by Imran Khan’s PTI by merging with the Sunni Ittehad Council. The merger led to legal challenges regarding reserved seats for women and minorities, raising significant constitutional and electoral questions.

In a curious twist of political fate, Pakistan's Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa on Monday questioned the rationale behind the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party's decision to merge with the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC). This controversial move ahead of the upcoming February 8 general elections has been labeled political 'suicide' by the top judge.

The merger has spurred legal battles in the Supreme Court, focusing on a petition filed by the SIC challenging the Peshawar High Court's verdict. The PHC ruling denied SIC's claim to reserved seats for women and minorities in national and provincial assemblies, citing significant procedural lapses and legal issues.

Chief Justice Isa, heading a 13-member bench, questioned why independent candidates left PTI to join SIC, undermining their own party's position. The Election Commission had previously stripped PTI of its electoral symbol, a decision reaffirmed by the apex court. The controversy has led to significant uncertainty as the nation heads towards critical elections.

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