PML-N, PPP agree to file review petition against PTI reserved seats verdict

Ruling coalition holds crucial discussion over potentially banning Imran Khan's party

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) agreed on Friday to file a review petition against the Supreme Court's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) reserved seats verdict.

According to Express News, a meeting was held between the ruling coalition to discuss administrative matters in Punjab, the current political situation, and the government's proposal to ban PTI.

It was decided that further consultations would be held regarding the ban on PTI, and a review petition would be filed against the Supreme Court's verdict.

The PML-N delegation included National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, and Rana Sanaullah.

The Attorney General and other officials were also present at the meeting while the PPP delegation comprised of Sherry Rehman, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, and Nadeem Afzal Chan.

Read: Government decides to 'ban' PTI

Just days after the Supreme Court resurrected PTI, the PML-N-led ruling coalition decided last week that a reference will be sent to the top court seeking a ban on PTI, adding that the government will also initiate Article 6 (high treason) proceedings against ex-PM Imran Khan, ex-President Dr Arif Alvi and ex-deputy speaker Qasim Suri for dissolving the National Assembly back in April 2022.

Tarar had announced that the ruling alliance has also decided to challenge the recent decision of the Supreme Court through which it declared that the PTI is entitled to have reserved seats in the assembly, saying the government would file a review petition against the ruling.

However, PPP Central Punjab General Secretary Hasan Murtaza criticised the decision to impose restrictions on political parties and Article 6 sanctions on PTI leaders, deeming it unjustified.

He emphasised that political disagreements should not lead to the dissolution of any party and stressed the importance of political entities adhering to democratic norms.

Murtaza clarified that Article 6, historically applied to former Generals Musharraf and Zia-ul-Haq but not enforced against political leaders or workers, does not encompass leaders and workers of political parties.

Read More: Political forces unite against govt's decision to ban PTI, calling it 'childish, unconstitutional'

Meanwhile, PTI leaders strongly condemned the proposal to ban their party, stating that such a move is not a child's play. The statement was made during a press conference by opposition leader Omar Ayub, PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan, and Shibli Faraz last week.

Khan addressed the media, saying, "Today, the government announced its intention to ban PTI, and we strongly condemn this statement. It is a clear contempt of the Supreme Court, which has granted us relief. The Supreme Court has affirmed PTI's right to exist."

Ayub added, "The Supreme Court has declared PTI a legitimate party. Today's press conference reflects their desires. This 'Form 47 government' is a minority government. We demand that the PPP and MQM clearly state whether they support PML-N's statement. They must be explicit about their stance."

Various political entities also joined the PTI in denouncing the ruling coalition’s proposed move to ban the party, calling it "childish" and "unconstitutional."

As a result of the backlash, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar clarified that no decision has been made regarding the ban on PTI, stating that any decision will only be taken after consultation with coalition partners.

Also Read: ECP announces to implement Supreme Court order on reserved seats

Moreover, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) announced its decision to implement the Supreme Court's July 12 ruling which facilitates the PTI-backed MNAs to take part in the assembly’s proceedings as PTI members rather than Sunni Ittehad Council members.

In a press release issued on Friday, the electoral watchdog confirmed its commitment to comply with the court's directive but instructed its legal team to identify any implementation obstacles promptly.

The apex court's majority verdict overturned the Peshawar High Court judgment dated March 25 and also declared the ECP order dated March 1 unconstitutional, lacking lawful authority and having no legal effect.

The apex court declared that the denial of an election symbol does not affect the constitutional and legal rights of a political party in any manner to participate in an election and to field candidates whereas the ECP is under a constitutional duty to act, construe and apply all statutory provisions accordingly.