Justice Athar Minallah has directed the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to prove to the Supreme Court that the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) was rightfully excluded from the electoral process, leading to the forfeiture of its claim to reserved seats. This directive came during a hearing of an appeal by the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) against the denial of reserved seats for women and minorities.
Justice Minallah emphasized the importance of ensuring a level playing field for all political parties in the electoral process. He noted the need for transparency and adherence to the Constitution to safeguard the rights of voters.
The Supreme Court will continue the hearing on Monday, addressing concerns about the integrity of the general elections. Justice Minallah stressed the court’s duty to protect voters’ rights and uphold the Constitution.
The ECP’s alleged failures in conducting credible elections have raised significant questions about the legitimacy of governance and public trust in institutions. The court must address these concerns to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process.
Published in Dawn, June 30th, 2024