The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has reserved its decision following the conclusion of arguments from all parties regarding the allocation of reserved seats to the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC).
The debate arose as PTI-backed independents aligned with the SIC under constitutional provisions, seeking reserved seats for women and minorities. A five-member commission, led by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, deliberated over six petitions against the SIC and consolidated them for consideration.
Previously, three major political parties—the PPP, PML-N, and MQM-P—had raised objections to the allocation of remaining reserved seats to the SIC, contesting its status as a parliamentary party. They contended that the SIC failed to meet the same procedural requirements as other parties by not submitting a candidate list in a timely manner.
During the proceedings, arguments revolved around whether the SIC qualified for reserved seats, particularly as it did not secure any electoral victories. PTI's legal representative emphasized that numerous independent members had joined the SIC, making it eligible for reserved seat allotment, while opposition parties questioned the SIC's legitimacy as a political entity.
The CEC noted the absence of electoral symbols for the SIC and highlighted varying interpretations regarding the criteria for reserved seat eligibility. However, he clarified that the ECP would issue an order later in the day regarding the SIC's objections, postponing further deliberations until the following day.
Earlier discussions on Monday underscored the ECP's decision to address the matter in open court, signaling the importance of resolving the issue of SIC's reserved seats. Meanwhile, the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) reiterated its call for CEC Sikandar Sultan Raja's resignation, alleging his failure to ensure fair and impartial elections.
