Pakistan's Supreme Court rules in favor of imprisoned ex-premier Imran Khan's party, awarding more seats in parliament
- Pakistan's Supreme Court finds Imran Khan's party was improperly denied at least 20 seats in parliament.
- The ruling denies the ruling coalition a two-thirds majority in parliament.
- The decision marks a significant blow to the country's fragile governing coalition.
In a significant legal victory for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party led by former Prime Minister Imran Khan, the Supreme Court of Pakistan has ruled in favor of PTI's eligibility for a share of reserved seats in national and provincial assemblies. The case was brought forth by the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), a party that PTI-backed candidates had joined after the general election. Despite facing challenges, including Imran Khan's incarceration due to criminal cases, the Supreme Court recognized PTI as a political party entitled to field candidates, even without an election symbol. The verdict, delivered on Friday, acknowledged PTI's status as a political entity that secured seats in the 2024 general elections. This decision is seen as a win for Pakistan's democracy, restoring PTI's rights and potentially shifting the political landscape in parliament. With the allocation of reserved seats, PTI is set to become the largest political party in the assembly, prompting speculation about potential alliances and the impact on the ruling coalition, particularly the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). The ruling marks a setback for the current governing coalition in Pakistan, as the Supreme Court's decision grants PTI at least 20 additional seats in parliament. While PTI celebrates the court's ruling as a triumph of justice, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's government maintains its stability, supported by lawmakers in the parliament. The decision underscores the importance of upholding electoral processes and ensuring that political parties are not unjustly deprived of their rights, as highlighted by the Supreme Court's intervention in this case. The constitutional provision of reserved seats for women and minorities in Pakistan's parliament plays a crucial role in ensuring representation and diversity. The Election Commission's initial block on PTI's participation as a party, later overturned by the Supreme Court, underscores the significance of fair electoral practices. Despite the ruling's impact on parliamentary dynamics, it does not pose an immediate threat to the current government, emphasizing the resilience of the existing coalition amid evolving political circumstances.