🏛️ Peshawar High Court Halts Reserved Seats Oaths in KP
On July 1, 2025, the Peshawar High Court (PHC) took a significant step by stopping the swearing-in of reserved seat members in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly. This decision came in response to a petition filed by PTI-Parliamentarians (PTI‑P), challenging the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) allocation of women’s and minority seats.
📌 What the PHC Ordered
A two-judge bench—Justice Syed Arshad Ali and Justice Dr. Khurshid Iqbal—ruled that:
- The oath-taking of newly allocated members on reserved seats is temporarily blocked.
- Notices were issued to the ECP, demanding responses during the next hearing.
Justice Ali emphasized:
“Even though PTI is in power in the province, it is also being denied seats.”
⚖️ Why This Ruling Matters
- Direct Challenge to ECP Allocations
Before this, the Supreme Court had ruled that PTI was ineligible for reserved seats nationwide . Yet in KP, PTI‑P claims it still deserves at least two women’s seats and one minority seat—a demand reinforced by the High Court’s action. - Emerging Legal Uncertainty
The PHC’s order creates a legal impasse: reserved-seat members cannot assume office until the court decides whether ECP’s allocations comply with the law. - Immediate Political Impact for PTI
Temporarily, PTI-P’s representation in the KP Assembly is suspended, pending further hearings. This move can sway provincial legislative dynamics in the short term.
🔍 What’s Next?
- Next Hearing & ECP Response: The ECP must respond to the PHC’s notices before the upcoming hearing.
- Final PHC Decision Pending: The bench will determine whether ECP’s allocation was lawful under existing Supreme Court precedent.
- Potential for Appeal: Regardless of its verdict, the PHC’s decision could be appealed to the Supreme Court, prolonging the uncertainty.
🗂️ Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | July 1, 2025 |
| Court | Peshawar High Court (two-judge bench) |
| Action Taken | Barred oath-taking on reserved seats |
| Affected Seats | Women’s and minority seats |
| Reason | PTI-P claims rightful share: 2 women’s + 1 minority |
| Legal Backdrop | Supreme Court had disqualified PTI nationally |
| Next Steps | ECP response, detailed hearing, possible SC appeal |
🧭 Final Thoughts
The PHC’s action represents a provincial-level legal challenge to a Supreme Court ruling, highlighting ongoing tensions in seat allocation politics. It underscores how provincial assemblies can act independently, even within the framework of a Supreme Court decision. As KP moves forward, all eyes will be on whether this sparks a broader legal reconsideration or remains confined to provincial judgment.
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