KP Government Allocates Reserved Seats to Families of May 9 Martyrs

In a move to honor the families of those who sacrificed their lives on May 9, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has decided to allocate reserved seats to the widows of the martyrs from that day. This decision was made following a Supreme Court ruling that favored Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

The reserved seats designated for women in the provincial assembly will be granted to the widows of Javed Akakhel, Sikandar, Muhammad Bilal, Abrar Ahmad, and Javed Gill. The decision aligns with instructions from PTI founder Imran Khan, reflecting the party’s continued influence and commitment to its supporters.

Earlier this month, the Supreme Court of Pakistan ruled in favor of PTI by overturning the Peshawar High Court’s verdict that had deprived PTI of reserved seats for non-Muslim and women candidates. The apex court’s 8-5 decision deemed the Election Commission of Pakistan’s conduct regarding these seats unconstitutional.

Justice Mansoor Ali Shah authored the majority opinion, with Justices Athar Minallah, Muneeb Akhtar, Ayesha Malik, Irfan Saadat, Shahid Waheed, Hassan Azhar Rizvi, and Ali Mazhar siding with PTI. Conversely, Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa and Justices Jamal Mandokhail, Naeem Afghan, and Aminuddin Khan opposed the ruling, while Justice Yahya Afridi issued a dissenting note.

The Supreme Court’s ruling ensures PTI’s status as a political party remains intact, allowing them to present a list of candidates for the reserved seats and submit necessary membership certificates. This decision underscores the ongoing political dynamics and legal challenges facing the PTI and the broader political landscape in Pakistan.