ISLAMABAD: Supreme Court suspended Peshawar High Court (PHC) and Election Commission of Pakistan’s order allocating reserved seats to other parties.

Three-judge bench, led by Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, granted leave to appeal and adjourned matter till June 3. Bench unanimously suspended ECP’s decision for re-allocation of reserved seats to other political parties.

During hearing. Justice Shah summoned Attorney General and an ECP representative as court took up petition filed by SIC.

As hearing commenced, Justice Shah observed that basic principle of democracy and Constitution is people’s mandate, which should be reflected in Parliament. “Majority can’t be negated on technical grounds,” court added.

Bench inquired whether Constitution or election act stipulated that reserved seats would be reallocated to other parties such as PML-N, PPP, etc.

“If political party is unable to attain an election symbol, its voters would be disenfranchised,” observed Justice Athar Minallah.

Additional Attorney General Chaudhry Amir Rehman argued that matter required “Constitutional interpretation” and alleged that larger bench be formed for adjudication.
However, he was informed that hearing is at “Leave granting stage”.

Published in The Daily National Courier, May, 07 2024

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