ECP reserves verdict in reserved seats allocation case

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has reserved its verdict in the case concerning the allocation of reserved seats.

A four-member bench headed by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja heard the case, during which legal representatives from both Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) presented their arguments.

During the proceedings, the counsel for PML-N questioned the fairness of the seat distribution. “If JUI-F and PML-N have an equal number of general seats, then how can the reserved seats be unequal?” he asked. “How can my candidate be deprived of the right to vote? How can JUI-F have 10 seats and we only 8?”

The PML-N lawyer has demanded a coin toss to decide seat distribution, citing equal general seat count with JUI-F.

He further added, “Under the law, a toss can be conducted in case of a tie. We formally request the Election Commission to resolve the matter through a toss.”

During the reserved seats hearing, JUI-F counsel Kamran Murtaza cautioned the Election Commission that revisiting the allocation process could have far-reaching consequences across the country.

He warned that reopening the matter for the sake of a single seat could set a precedent that might impact the reserved seats notifications nationwide. “The entire process could be undone, and notifications of reserved seats across the country might have to be withdrawn,” he argued.

Earlier, the Peshawar High Court had ruled on the petition of the PML -N against the distribution of reserved seats and issued an order to the ECP to re -issue a list of specific seats.