The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has deferred its verdict after hearing arguments from all concerned parties regarding the distribution of reserved seats to the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC).

The issue arose as PTI-affiliated independents aligned with the SIC, invoking constitutional provisions to advocate for reserved seats earmarked for women and minorities. Under the leadership of Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, a five-member commission reviewed six petitions challenging the SIC's entitlement to these seats, consolidating them for further consideration.

Previously, the PPP, PML-N, and MQM-P raised objections to allocating the remaining reserved seats to the SIC, questioning its classification as a parliamentary party. They argued that the SIC did not adhere to the same procedural standards as other parties by failing to submit a candidate list in a timely manner.

Debates during the hearings focused on whether the SIC met the criteria for reserved seats, particularly given its lack of electoral victories. PTI's legal counsel argued that numerous independent members had joined the SIC, rendering it eligible for reserved seat allocation. Conversely, opposition parties questioned the SIC's legitimacy as a political entity.

The CEC acknowledged the absence of electoral symbols for the SIC and highlighted divergent interpretations regarding the criteria for reserved seat eligibility. However, he specified that the ECP would issue a ruling later in the day concerning the SIC's objections, adjourning further proceedings until the following day.

Earlier discussions underscored the ECP's commitment to addressing the matter in open court, underscoring the significance of resolving the dispute over the SIC's reserved seats. Meanwhile, the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) reiterated its demand for CEC Sikandar Sultan Raja's resignation, alleging his failure to uphold fair and impartial elections.