PHC rejects PTI plea on reserved seats

The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has dismissed a petition filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) regarding its exclusion from reserved seats in the assemblies, despite having representation. The petition, filed under Section 12(2) to become a party in the case, was returned with objections by the Additional Registrar Judicial.

The court noted that its previous decision on reserved seats, issued on March 24, 2024, had already been upheld by the Supreme Court on June 27, 2025, in a review petition. As a result, the High Court declared the matter no longer within its jurisdiction and advised the petitioner to approach the relevant forum.

PTI had requested the annulment of the earlier rulings and sought a fair opportunity to present its stance on the matter of reserved seat allocations. MNA Ali Asghar filed the petition, claiming that PTI was not given a hearing during the distribution of reserved seats, was not made a party to the case, and was not issued any notice.

According to the petitioner, the Election Commission deliberately excluded PTI from the reserved seats through alleged fraudulent means, falsely declaring that PTI no longer constituted a parliamentary party. This basis, he argued, was flawed and led to unjust court decisions.

The petition requested that PTI be granted its rightful share of reserved seats and that the petitioner be recognized as a PTI member of the assembly and duly notified.

The Election Commission, successful candidates, Sunni Ittehad Council, PML-N, PPP, JUI-F, Jamaat-e-Islami, ANP, and other political parties were made respondents in the petition. The petitioner contended that those parties were granted seats they did not deserve while PTI was unfairly sidelined.

The PHC, however, rejected the plea, instructing the petitioners to seek relief through the appropriate forum.

Meanwhile, PHC has received a comprehensive report from police officials in response to a writ petition highlighting the deteriorating traffic and security situation on the Indus Highway.

The report outlines initial compliance with the court's directives, which called for an increase in traffic police and security personnel along the highway to ensure smooth traffic flow and improved public safety.

According to the report submitted by relevant authorities, currently, only two mobile vans are deployed for traffic control in Kohat and Karak, with a total of just seven highway traffic police personnel assigned in both districts.

As per court orders, the number of traffic police officers in Kohat is being increased to 28. Specifically, 16 officers will now be stationed at Kohat Tunnel and Darra Adamkhel Bazaar, while four each will be deployed at Kohat Board and Lachi Bazaar.

The report also mentions that over 130 police personnel will now be posted at various points along the Indus Highway to enhance security. In Karak, 12 officers have been assigned to manage traffic control.

In compliance with the court's instructions, official correspondence has been sent to the Inspector General of Police and other relevant authorities, urging immediate action to increase manpower and resources.

Furthermore, the number of Highway Traffic Units in Kohat and Karak is being raised to three, and the number of deployed personnel will be increased to 20.