Supreme Court Overturns Verdict: PTI-Backed Independents Ineligible for Reserved Seats

Summary:

In a landmark June 27–28, 2025 decision, Supreme of Pakistan’s Constitutional Bench overturned its earlier July 12, 2024 verdict that allowed PTI-backed independents (aligned with the Sunni Ittehad Council, SIC) to claim reserved seats. By a majority of seven judges, the Court accepted review petitions and restored the Peshawar High Court’s March 2024 decision, ruling that the SIC (and by extension PTI-backed independents) is ineligible for reserved seats in the National and Provincial Assemblies.

Key Facts:

1. Original 2024 Dynamics: Approximately above 80 PTI-backed independent candidates won general seats and joined forces with the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) to pursue reserved seats for women and minorities. The ECP denied the claim, citing procedural violations, and the Peshawar High Court upheld that decision in March 2024
2. July 2024 SC Verdict (Invalidated): A 13-member full court bench by majority of 8–5 ruled in favor of PTI/SIC, declaring the denial of reserved seats unconstitutional and restoring PTI’s parliamentary party status, enabling access to reserved seats.
3. Review Verdict June 2025: A 10-member bench, led by Justice Aminuddin Khan, accepted review petitions from PML‑N, PPP, and ECP. Seven judges agreed to overturn the 2024 decision and revert to the PHC’s March 2024 ruling, resulting in PTI/SIC losing over 77 reserved seats, reallocated to other parties
4. ECP Directive: The Court instructed the Election Commission to conduct a de novo review of the 80 independent winners’ party affiliations and issue fresh allocation decisions within 15 days of receiving the order.

Conclusion:

The Supreme Court’s 2025 review reversed its earlier 2024 decision, ruling that PTI-backed independents are not entitled to reserved seats. This shift emphasizes strict compliance with electoral rules—especially the requirement to submit party lists before elections. The judgment has major constitutional and political consequences, strengthening the ruling alliance and reshaping future electoral processes in Pakistan.