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ECP Convenes Key Meeting to Implement SC Ruling on Reserved Seats
ECP to hold key meeting today to implement SC ruling on reserved seats. Legal team to review court order; PHC decision likely to be restored.
ND
by News Desk
2025-06-30
ECP Convenes Key Meeting to Implement SC Ruling on Reserved Seats

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is set to convene a crucial meeting today (Monday) to deliberate on the implementation of the Supreme Court’s recent ruling regarding reserved seats in legislative bodies, sources told Express News.

The meeting will be chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, with the participation of ECP members and legal experts, as the body prepares to finalize its official course of action following the apex court’s majority decision.

PHC Ruling to Be Restored

According to insiders, one major item on the agenda is the restoration of the Peshawar High Court’s verdict, which was previously set aside by the Supreme Court’s July 12, 2024 judgment. The new Supreme Court order has reversed that ruling, leading to the dismissal of SIC’s appeals and effectively stripping it of claims over reserved seats.

The 10-member constitutional bench, headed by Justice Aminuddin Khan, ruled by a 7-3 majority to set aside the July 12, 2024 judgment, which had allowed the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC)—formed by former PTI members—to claim reserved seats in national and provincial legislatures.

Impact on Parliamentary Power Balance

The Supreme Court’s decision marks a significant legal victory for the ruling PML-N-led coalition, which now retains its two-thirds strength in the National Assembly, strengthening its legislative leverage.

The ECP’s upcoming decisions—including issuing notifications of successful candidates on reserved seats—will be key in solidifying this outcome.

ECP Responds to Criticism

Facing sharp criticism in media and political circles, the ECP earlier dismissed what it termed “baseless propaganda” about its role in the allocation of reserved seats. The commission reaffirmed that its actions were constitutional, lawful, and grounded in judicial precedent.

In its statement, the ECP emphasized that “claims being made are contrary to the facts and are aimed at misleading the public”, especially following the Supreme Court's clear reversal of the July 2024 decision.

Next Steps

Sources say the ECP is expected to:

·       Review the detailed SC verdict

·       Strategize the formal implementation plan

·       Issue notifications for reserved seat allocations

·       Clarify its position on future dealings with the SIC

Observers say the final decisions taken by the ECP today may significantly shape the future parliamentary landscape, with implications for the opposition’s representation and the governing coalition’s legislative authority.

 
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PakistanPolitics

ReservedSeats

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