Justice Minallah directs ECP on PTI exclusion

Justice Athar Minallah of the Supreme Court has issued a directive to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to prove that the exclusion of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) from the electoral process was carried out lawfully, resulting in the loss of its claim to reserved seats. This instruction came during a hearing by a full-court bench of the Supreme Court in response to an appeal filed by the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) concerning the denial of reserved seats for women and minorities.

Justice Minallah stressed the significance of ensuring that all political parties, including PTI, are given equal opportunities both before and after the general elections that took place on February 8.

The issue arose when the Sunni Ittehad Council raised concerns about the denial of reserved seats for women and minorities following the general elections. PTI, a prominent political party in Pakistan, was allegedly excluded from the electoral process in a manner that led to the forfeiture of its right to these reserved seats.

The Supreme Court's directive to the ECP highlights the importance of transparency and fairness in the electoral process. It underscores the need for all political parties to be treated equally and provided with opportunities to participate in the democratic process. This move aims to uphold the principles of democracy and ensure that the rights of all parties, including PTI, are respected.