ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has dismissed a petition filed by the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), seeking reserved seats in the national and provincial assemblies, excluding Balochistan. The decision was made following the council’s alliance with PTI-supported lawmakers, who secured victory without their designated symbol.
The Sunni Ittehad Council had filed pleas with the Election Commission seeking the allotment of reserved seats for minority and women in the National Assembly and the provincial assemblies of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Sindh.
SIC Moved Election Commission for Reserved Seats
The SIC approached the ECP after aligning with PTI-supported lawmakers, requesting the allocation of reserved seats for women and minorities in the assemblies. However, the commission rejected the plea, asserting that the Sunni Ittehad Council is not entitled to reserved quotas for women and minorities.
The verdict, announced with a 4-1 majority by a five-member bench headed by ECP Chairman Sikandar Sultan Raja, marks a significant setback for the Sunni Ittehad Council. Babar Hasan Bharwana, Member Punjab, was the sole dissenter in the panel.
The Sunni Ittehad Council, comprising independent candidates backed by PTI, had sought reserved seats in the aftermath of the elections. The ECP had reserved its decision following hearings on the matter, with the final verdict being delivered today.
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