Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, during the hearing of the case regarding reserved seats for the Sunni Ittehad Council, questioned PTI’s decision to join another party, describing it as self-destructive. He suggested that PTI’s case would have been stronger if they had joined the Sunni Ittehad Council after the elections. He warned that if those controlling the Sunni Ittehad Council changed their stance, PTI would be vulnerable.
Chief Justice Isa pointed out that Prime Minister Imran Khan influenced the Election Commission and detained those who did not hold press conferences. He expressed concern over the continued violation of fundamental rights despite their presence. Justice Mansoor Ali Shah remarked that PTI mishandled the matter of reserved seats. At the same time, Justice Muneeb Akhtar criticized the Election Commission’s interpretation that classified PTI candidates as independents, calling it dangerous.
A 13-member full court, led by Chief Justice Isa, heard the case, which was broadcast live on the Supreme Court’s website. Sunni Ittehad Council’s lawyer, Faisal Siddiqui, argued that independent candidates could join any political party, and the Election Commission had misinterpreted the political party. He accused the Commission of ignoring the constitution regarding reserved seats.
Justice Jamal Mandokhail raised a question about how a party that did not participate in the elections could receive reserved seats. Irfan Saadat Khan added that Faisal Siddiqui’s arguments rendered the constitutional words ineffective since the Sunni Ittehad Council was not a political party.
Justice Athar Minallah stated that after losing its electoral symbol. A party no longer remained a political entity, yet the Election Commission declared it an unlisted political party. He questioned why PTI joined another party if it existed as a political entity.
Chief Justice questions PTI’s switch.
Contrary to their arguments, Chief Justice Isa further asked why PTI joined another party. Justice Aminuddin Khan questioned whether independent members could form a new political party. Faisal Siddiqui responded that independent members could join a registered political party within three days.
Justice Muneeb Akhtar highlighted the Election Commission’s decision to declare PTI. Candidates were chosen as independents based on a Supreme Court ruling. Which he considered a dangerous interpretation. Justice Aminuddin Khan pointed out that all candidates were from PTI, questioning why PTI withdrew certificates submitted by its candidates.
Chief Justice Isa emphasized that they would not entertain claims of the Election Commission’s injustice to PTI and would only consider constitutional and legal arguments. He reminded Faisal Siddiqui that he represented the Sunni Ittehad Council, not PTI, and warned against conflicting interests.
Justice Athar Minallah noted that the same issues occurred in 2018, with those who did not hold press conferences detained. He questioned whether the Supreme Court should ignore such matters.
Justice Jamal Mandokhail mentioned that those denied a level playing field did not come before them. Chief Justice Isa stated that people should not use courts to justify wrong actions, and he emphasized their commitment to upholding the Constitution.
Kanwal Shauzab’s Party Membership Questioned in Court
The Attorney General informed the court that Kanwal Shauzab was the PTI Women’s Wing President and could not be a member of the two parties. Salman Akram Raja clarified that she was not a candidate in the general elections. Would be elected based on reserved seats allocated to PTI or Sunni Ittehad Council. Justice Mansoor Ali Shah questioned whether Kanwal Shauzab was on the Sunni Ittehad Council’s list. Raja replied that she had not joined the Sunni Ittehad Council.
Justice Athar Minallah emphasized the importance of protecting fundamental rights and questioned. Why the Election Commission did not raise objections to the Sunni Ittehad Council’s constitution. Faisal Siddiqui stated that the Election Commission never notified the Sunni Ittehad Council of any objections. Justice Minallah pointed out that it was the Commission’s duty to complete the electoral process.
The hearing concluded with Chief Justice Isa writing the court’s order. Noting that arguments from Faisal Siddiqui and Salman Akram Raja were completed. The Supreme Court requested the nomination papers of Sunni Ittehad Council Chairman Hamid Raza. Adjourned the hearing until the following day. Indicating their intention to conclude the case.
