Federal Minister for Law Azam Nazeer Tarar has responded to the recent Supreme Court ruling, emphasizing that the verdict does not pose a threat to the incumbent government, which commands a majority of 209 members in the National Assembly.
Speaking on the apex court’s decision to uphold PTI’s entitlement to reserved seats across the assemblies while nullifying the Peshawar High Court’s earlier ruling, Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) leader Azam Tarar highlighted that the ruling would not significantly alter the party’s position in the National Assembly, given its strong presence in both the federal and provincial governments.
Tarar noted that the impact of the verdict would be minimal in Balochistan and Sindh assemblies where PTI holds fewer seats. He also pointed out that the issue concerning senate members from 2018, who continue to operate as independents, did not involve PTI.
Regarding the court’s decision to grant relief to PTI despite a plea from the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), Tarar mentioned that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and other relevant institutions would review the verdict. He raised concerns about PTI benefiting from reserved seats meant for non-Muslims, questioning the party’s eligibility under such circumstances.
While Tarar acknowledged his respect for the court’s verdict, he criticized the interpretation of Articles 51 and 106 of the Constitution, suggesting that new provisions were added instead of a straightforward interpretation. He expressed discomfort with judgments that he believed deviated from constitutional principles, stating that such decisions could lead to debates and discussions.
The minister highlighted that the Supreme Court’s decision did not address the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Senate elections, emphasizing that various individuals had been elected based on political party mandates.
In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court overturned the Peshawar High Court’s decision to exclude Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) from reserved seats in the National Assembly. The 13-member bench, headed by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, delivered the majority verdict of 8-5, affirming PTI’s status as a legitimate political entity.
This ruling marks a substantial legal and political victory for PTI.
