PHC issues injunction against ECP decision on reserve seats

Humayun Khan

PESHAWAR: Peshawar High Court issued an injunction on the Election Commission’s decision regarding the allotment of reserved seats, following a hearing on a petition filed against the exclusion of reserve seats for the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) and striped the nominated lawmakers from oath while forwarded the plea to Chief Justice for constitution of larger bench, on Wednesday.

During the hearing, the counsel claimed that PTI’s elected members joined with the SIC for the allocation of reserve seats in proportion to general seats in the upcoming elections. Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim sought clarification on whether the case pertains solely to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa or the entire country, while Qazi Anwar Advocate argued that the Election Commission’s decision infringed upon constitutional and legal principles, urging the court to prevent elected members from taking oath until the matter is resolved.

Responding to the ECP’s claim that the Sunni Ittehad Council failed to provide a candidate list, Justice Shakeel Ahmed emphasized the importance of addressing this issue before reallocating seats. After hearing arguments from Qazi Anwar Advocate, the High Court issued a restraining order until the following day, directing the Election Commission and other parties to provide responses.

The court also prohibited newly elected Assembly members, particularly women and minority representatives, from taking oath until further notice. The decision by the PHC reflects the ongoing legal battle surrounding seat allotment and underscores the need for a fair and transparent electoral process.