PTI Challenges Election Act Amendment Bill 2024 in Supreme Court

 

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the recently passed Election Act Amendment Bill 2024. The PTI has requested that, until a decision is made on their petition, the Election Commission be restrained from allocating reserved seats to other parties.

The Challenge

According to details, the PTI, led by its chairman Barrister Gohar, filed the petition through advocate Salman Akram Raja. The PTI's primary contention is that the amendment, passed by the National Assembly, unfairly impacts their reserved seats. They argue that this amendment is a direct response to the Supreme Court's recent decision to allocate reserved seats to PTI, which the ruling coalition seeks to circumvent.

 Parliamentary Proceedings

The amendment bill was passed by a majority in the National Assembly, under the chairmanship of Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq. PML-N leader Bilal Azhar Kayani presented the bill, amidst protests and slogans from the opposition. Despite the opposition's objections, the ruling alliance managed to get the bill approved with a significant majority. Following its approval in the National Assembly, the bill will now be presented in the Senate, and upon Senate approval, it will be signed into law by the President of Pakistan.

PTI's Criticism

The PTI has heavily criticized the amendment, viewing it as an attempt to block their access to reserved seats. PTI leader Ali Muhammad Khan argued that legislation should be forward-looking and not applied retroactively, as this amendment attempts to do. He accused the government of using the parliamentary process to undermine the Supreme Court's authority, asserting that such retroactive application is unconstitutional.

 The Context of the Amendment

This amendment comes at a crucial time when the Supreme Court had already decided to allocate reserved seats to PTI. The timing and nature of the amendment have led to accusations that the ruling coalition is manipulating the legislative process to their advantage, specifically targeting the PTI's interests.

Political Implications

The PTI's legal challenge highlights the ongoing political tussle in Pakistan, where the ruling coalition and opposition parties are locked in a struggle over electoral reforms and the allocation of seats. This battle reflects broader tensions and divisions within the country's political landscape.

 Conclusion

The PTI's challenge to the Election Act Amendment Bill 2024 underscores the contentious nature of recent legislative changes in Pakistan. As the Supreme Court reviews the petition, the political climate remains charged, with significant implications for the future of Pakistan's electoral processes. The PTI's stance and the government's response will be critical in shaping the country's political dynamics in the coming months. 

In conclusion, the unfolding events around the Election Act Amendment Bill 2024 are a testament to the vibrant and often contentious nature of Pakistani politics. The resolution of this issue will not only impact the immediate political landscape but also set precedents for future legislative and judicial interactions in Pakistan. As stakeholders await the Supreme Court's decision, the debate over the amendment continues to capture the attention of political analysts and the public alike.