PTI must prove assembly presence through election win, remarks SC

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court (SC) on Thursday in the reserved seats hearing has remarked that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI’s) presence in the assembly must be proven through election success.

An 11-member constitutional bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Justice Aminuddin Khan, heard the review petitions against the court’s July 12, 2024, ruling that declared the PTI entitled to reserved seats for women and minorities in the national and provincial assemblies.

Sunni Ittehad Council’s lawyer Faisal Siddiqi continued his arguments during the hearing. Several judges, including Justice Musarrat Hilali, Justice Jamal Mandokhail, and Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, raised tough questions.

Justice Hilali remarked, “PTI’s presence in the assembly must be proven through election success.” Siddiqi argued that PTI was a party to the case and had received relief even in the minority note.

Justice Jamal Mandokhail pointed out that he and Justice Yahya Afridi had also supported PTI’s right to reserved seats.

Justice Salahuddin Panhwar noted that the petitioners had failed to present basic facts of the case before the court.

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Faisal Siddiqi said that there were common points between the majority and minority decisions and that the review is based on these shared grounds.

Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar reminded that the review must be based on the majority judgment, not on the minority opinions, as is currently being done.

The hearing also featured light exchanges. Justice Mandokhail told Siddiqi, “Your film will flop.” Siddiqi smiled and replied, “It will flop on your terms. Your verdict will prevail.”

Justice Musarrat Hilali remarked that if the Constitution was that clear, there would be no need for the Supreme Court. Siddiqi joked, “If everything was clear, we wouldn’t need you either.” Justice Hilali laughed and said, “I’m the most needed here.”

Other issues like election symbols, party certificates, returning independent candidates, and the role of the Election Commission also came under discussion.

Justice Mandokhail said, “PTI remained a party even after the intra-party ruling. If there was confusion, they wouldn’t have issued party certificates.”

The court directed Siddiqi to read the complete judgment and present comprehensive arguments at the next hearing so all judges are fully informed.

The hearing was adjourned till June 16.