Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has called on the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to issue the notification for the party’s reserved seats immediately, asserting that these seats are PTI’s rightful entitlement.
Speaking to the media following PTI’s core committee meeting, Gohar Ali Khan praised the Supreme Court of Pakistan for strengthening democratic principles through its recent ruling.
Gohar Ali Khan remarked that the court had echoed the long-standing demands of all political parties, underscoring that the ECP cannot make any decisions that disadvantage a particular party.
He further noted that the Supreme Court had raised critical questions about the ECP’s role, as well as clarified constitutional interpretations in its detailed judgment.
Barrister Gohar stressed that any candidate nominated by a party must always be considered as its official representative.
He highlighted PTI’s compliance: "We have submitted affidavits for 40 out of 41 candidates, yet the ECP, despite holding four meetings, has not issued the notification.”
He reiterated that reserved seats are PTI's due right and urged the ECP to issue the notification of its 38 members without any further delay.
PTI chairman further accused the ECP of compromising its independence and warned that any unconstitutional amendments aimed at curbing judicial authority would not be tolerated.
Gohar Ali Khan announced that PTI is set to hold a major rally on September 28 at Liaquat Bagh, Rawalpindi, under the leadership of the party’s founder.
He also revealed the party’s plans to participate in the lawyers' convention, signaling PTI's support for the legal fraternity. “We will actively resist any constitutional amendments that infringe upon the independence of the judiciary,” he declared, affirming PTI’s commitment to an independent judicial system.
Additionally, the PTI chairman pointed out the adverse impact of the ECP’s delayed actions on elections, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where Senate elections were postponed due to the Commission’s failure to act promptly.
He stressed that PTI would continue to fight for democratic values and support initiatives that safeguard judicial freedom.
Barrister Gohar added by reiterating his party's stance on resisting any amendments that seek to undermine judicial authority.
“The Supreme Court has reaffirmed the strength of democracy, and PTI will always stand in support of an independent judiciary,” he concluded.
Reporter: Tayyab Saif