Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political and Public Affairs Rana Sanaullah has criticized the Supreme Court’s verdict on the reserved seats’ case, stating that it contradicts explicit constitutional provisions for independent candidates wishing to join political parties. Speaking on Geo News’ program Naya Pakistan, Sanaullah highlighted that the Constitution explicitly mandates independent candidates to affiliate with political parties within three days after elections. He expressed concern over the court’s decision to extend this period to 15 days, which he argued exceeds constitutional limits.
A senior member of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) also criticized the court’s decision to provide independent candidates an extra two weeks to join a political party. He warned that what Sanaullah called “horse-trading,” which means unethical political deals, could flourish due to such decisions. He said the power to change the Constitution rests with parliament, but the judiciary should only go so far in interpreting its provisions.
Sanaullah acknowledged the Supreme Court’s decision favouring the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in reserving reserved seats as a significant legal victory for the PTI. This ruling not only clears the way for PTI’s return to parliament but also reshapes the composition of the National Assembly. However, Sanaullah expressed reservations about the implications of this decision on the political landscape, hinting at increased pressure on the coalition government.
Regarding the fresh corruption charges against PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi, Sanaullah criticized the PTI for allegedly being involved in riot planning and opposing defence institutions. He stated that releasing Imran Khan would cause the country’s political and economic climate to worsen. Sanaullah argued that the judicial process needs to be fair and that the defence and prosecution should have equal opportunities to express their arguments.
Sanaullah’s remarks reflect ongoing political tensions in Pakistan, particularly concerning judicial decisions impacting electoral processes and governance. His criticism of the Supreme Court’s verdict underscores broader debates over the separation of powers and constitutional interpretations. As Pakistan navigates these legal and political challenges, the outcomes of these disputes will likely shape the country’s democratic trajectory and governance dynamics in the coming months.
