Supreme Court Sparks PTI Hope for Power Return

The recent decision by the Supreme Court to suspend the Peshawar High Court’s verdict on the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) reserved seats has reignited hopes for the embattled Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to reclaim power. PTI leader Asad Qaiser, addressing a press conference in Islamabad alongside Mahmood Khan Achakzai of Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), welcomed the apex court’s ruling, expressing optimism about the PTI’s imminent return to power.

Amidst the legal developments, PTI also made allegations against Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif regarding the wheat import scandal. Qaiser accused Sharif of involvement in the scam, which reportedly led to significant financial losses for the national exchequer. The PTI leader’s remarks come as farmers across the country prepare for nationwide protests from May 10, highlighting the government’s failure to procure wheat at fixed prices, leading to a decline in market rates and concerns among farmers.

The Supreme Court’s decision to accept SIC’s plea against the PHC’s ruling on reserved seats allocation has raised questions about the legality of the process. The court has barred legislators who took oath on reserved seats from participating in legislative activities until further hearings begin on June 3. Notably, the court emphasized that the issue primarily concerns additional reserved seats allotted to political parties subsequently.

In addition to legal matters, PTI leader Asad Qaiser criticized the ruling coalition, alleging illegitimacy and questioning the legality of lawmakers sitting in parliament. Qaiser claimed that even the children of ruling alliance lawmakers acknowledge the illegality of their presence in parliament. Furthermore, he highlighted restrictions on opposition parties’ political rallies, portraying a broader narrative of political suppression.

The unfolding legal and political landscape in Pakistan underscores the ongoing power struggles and challenges facing the nation’s democratic institutions.