'Dark moment in our history'

The PTI has strongly condemned the Supreme Court's verdict in the reserved seats case, calling it a violation of constitutional and democratic principles.

In a statement released by PTI's Central Media Department on Friday, Imran Khan's party described the verdict as a "continuation of state oppression" and "a robbery of the public mandate". Once again, the constitutional right of the PTI has been looted through a judicial bench, it said.

The statement noted that the Supreme Court had previously ruled in PTI's favour, recognizing its entitlement to the reserved seats but it has now contradicted that stance.

The statement added that this verdict tramples the spirit of justice, the people's vote, and the right to representation. "The PTI presented constitutional points and legal arguments before judicial forums for months, but it has become evident that the courts exist only to serve the elite."

The PTI alleged that the reserved seats were distributed "like spoils of war" among parties that lacked public support, calling it a blatant mockery of democracy.

It went on to say: "This verdict marks one of the darkest days in Pakistan's constitutional history. First, the electoral process was attacked, the bat symbol was taken away, party workers were arrested, and now the public mandate has been rejected."

Calling the current system "devoid of public, constitutional, and democratic values," the PTI declared that this is now a system where speaking the truth is a crime, demanding rights is rebellion, and voting for Imran Khan is an unforgivable sin.

"We may be disappointed by the courts, but not by the people. And we know that in the end, victory will belong to truth, the Constitution, and Imran Khan," it stated.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the decision. In a statement, he congratulated the government's legal team and appreciated it for the tireless work.

He said the correct interpretation of the law in the decision established the supremacy of the Constitution and law. He urged the opposition to work together with the government and play its positive role for development and prosperity of the country.