ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is actively working to maintain its relevance in parliamentary affairs by implementing practical measures to secure reserved seats for women and minorities in the assemblies on behalf of the party.
A recent agreement was reached with the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) on Monday, where PTI-supported independent candidates will join the SIC, both at the federal and provincial levels, to obtain their share of reserved seats.
During a press conference, PTI senior leader Barrister Gohar Ali Khan announced that these independent candidates, who were backed by PTI and won seats in the National Assembly, Punjab, and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa assemblies, would officially become part of the SIC. This decision was made in consultation with PTI’s founding chairman, Imran Khan.
Gohar explained that the necessary documentation would be submitted to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to formalize the affiliation of these candidates with the coalition. He emphasized that the PTI-backed independents must join a party within three days of notification issuance, as per legal requirements.
Furthermore, the PTI has moved the Peshawar High Court (PHC) to assert its claim to the reserved seats for women and non-Muslims in the National and provincial assemblies. The party argues that despite facing challenges, including the loss of its electoral symbol, it remains registered with the ECP and is entitled to its share of these seats.
Meanwhile, the SIC has also requested the ECP to allocate its reserved seats in the assemblies. Affidavits of the independent members, supported by PTI, who are joining the SIC have been submitted. SIC Chairman Sahibzada Hamid Raza affirmed the coalition with PTI and assured that efforts were being made to ensure representation in the National Assembly.
The PTI core committee expressed deep concern over threats to the safety of its founder chairman, Imran Khan, and his wife, Bushra Bibi. They demanded the restoration of fundamental rights for all political leaders and condemned enforced disappearances and detentions.
Additionally, the PTI and the JUI-Sherani group agreed to maintain cooperation and fight against future electoral rigging. This agreement was discussed during a meeting between PTI delegates and JUI-Sherani group leader Maulana Gul Naseeb Khan. Both parties emphasized the importance of political stability and building confidence in the electoral system.
الحمداللہ pic.twitter.com/x4MfdWIvp6
— PTI (@PTIofficial) February 19, 2024
(Islamabad51_Newsdesk)
