Supreme Court’s Decision on Reserved Seats: Government Considers Calling Sessions of Senate and National Assembly

Islamabad: In light of the Supreme Court’s verdict on reserved seats, the government has initiated discussions on convening sessions of the Senate and National Assembly. Before proceeding with a reconsideration appeal, the government will seek parliamentary approval, with the final decision expected to be made during Nawaz Sharif’s presidency of the session.
Ahead of filing an appeal against the Supreme Court’s decision to grant reserved seats to the Sunni Alliance Council, preparations are underway to discuss implementation in both houses of Parliament. According to sources, Federal Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs Nazeer Tarar has proposed calling a parliamentary session in a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Senior leaders and members of the Pakistan Muslim League (N) have been instructed to remain in Islamabad, where the final decision to convene Parliament’s session under Nawaz Sharif’s presidency will be taken. The parliamentary session is expected to debate the judicial decision regarding reserved seats, while the government will finalize its strategy through parliamentary platforms before considering a review appeal.
It is noteworthy that two days ago, on July 12th, the Supreme Court declared Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf eligible for reserved seats in assemblies, overturning the Peshawar High Court and Election Commission’s decision of nullification, which had been affirmed by 11 judges. The Supreme Court upheld PTI’s right to specific seats in both national and provincial assemblies, while the court’s decision allowed 39 members to become elected representatives of PTI in the National Assembly, with the remaining 41 members potentially joining after submitting their oath within 15 days.
The court emphasized that disqualification based on electoral symbols does not strip any party of its right to participate in elections. PTI was recognized as a political entity and remains so. Additionally, the court ordered the Election Commission to issue notification for reserved seats according to PTI’s list, including additional reserved seats, thereby nullifying the Election Commission’s decision.
The government’s deliberation on this matter highlights ongoing political and judicial dynamics as Pakistan prepares for parliamentary sessions amidst these significant legal developments.