ISLAMABAD: In a landmark ruling on Friday, the Supreme Court of Pakistan granted Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) its rightful allocation of reserved seats, a decision hailed by PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan as a historic victory for democratic forces in the country.
Surrounded by party leaders, Barrister Gohar addressed the media, emphasizing the persistent struggle against what he described as illegal conduct that previously deprived PTI of its legitimate entitlements.
“The Supreme Court’s decision sends a clear message against attempts to undermine PTI,” Barrister Gohar stated, adding that the ruling is founded on principles of justice and would be remembered in the annals of history. He further urged the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to swiftly implement the apex court’s directive to ensure the reserved seats are allocated to PTI as ruled.
Despite the significance of the ruling for PTI, Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar downplayed its impact on the current government’s majority in the National Assembly.
Speaking at Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad, Tarar indicated that the government is reviewing the decision but sees no immediate threat to its standing, given its support from 209 members in the assembly.
Meanwhile, Minister for Information, Broadcasting, Culture, and National Heritage Attaullah Tarar criticized PTI for its attacks on the ECP, suggesting that PTI’s own failures, including not holding intra-party elections as required by law, were to blame for any issues related to the allocation of seats.
“Ironically, it is portrayed that all are guilty except PTI,” he commented, dismissing PTI’s right to malign the electoral watchdog.
In contrast, PTI’s celebrations were visible as they hailed the judiciary’s decision as a victory for the 250 million people of Pakistan. “We finally got what we deserved,” an elated Barrister Gohar remarked outside the apex court. PTI leaders, including KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Senator Shibli Faraz, joined in praising the judiciary for upholding justice and democracy.
The ruling also elicited reactions from opposition figures, with PMLN senior leader Rana Sanaullah acknowledging the government’s acceptance of the verdict while hinting at possible further legal reviews.
Sanaullah pointed out the peculiar nature of the relief granted to PTI, which he claimed was neither requested in the petition nor contested during the proceedings.
As political reactions continue to unfold, Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Omar Ayub Khan, has called for the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner and the four commissioners, citing bias against PTI and its leader Imran Khan.
This Supreme Court decision not only rectifies the seat allocation issue but also sets a precedent for the handling of similar cases in the future, potentially reshaping the political landscape as parties and government bodies digest its implications
