Court Rejects Election Commission Request
The Supreme Court of Pakistan issued its second clarification recently. This relates to the contentious reserved seats case. The clarification came from the same 8-judge majority bench. It was issued following a request from the Election Commission (ECP). The ECP had questioned the ruling’s validity. They cited a potential amendment to the Election Act. The Court stated that an amendment cannot invalidate the July 12 decision. The Supreme Court Reserved Seats ruling remains fully binding legally.
No Further Explanation Required
The majority judges confirmed that detailed reasons are now public. Therefore, no further explanation is needed whatsoever. The court confirmed that legal and constitutional points are fully covered. They stated the power to seek clarification was temporary relief. That interim relief ended once the detailed judgment was released. The earlier short order clarification is included in the full reasons. The court heard the matter in chambers in both Karachi and Islamabad.
Mandatory Enforcement Under Article 189
The 8-judge majority insisted the judgment is immediately enforceable. This authority stems directly from Article 189 of the Constitution. The court criticized the Election Commission’s actions severely. They stated the ECP unnecessarily complicated the clear short order. Failure to comply immediately will lead to serious consequences. The Supreme Court Reserved Seats decision must be implemented without delay.
The Historical PTI Status Ruling
The July 12 ruling annulled the previous decisions. It reversed the ECP and Peshawar High Court rulings. Those decisions had reallocated reserved seats to other parties. The seats were originally won by PTI-backed candidates (Sunni Ittehad Council). The court previously issued an initial clarification on September 14. That decree confirmed PTI was and is a legitimate political party. It stressed the ECP must fulfill its duty immediately. Non-implementation may have constitutional and legal repercussions. The final Supreme Court Reserved Seats decree settles all ambiguities now.
