Election Act Amendment Cannot Override July 12 Ruling on Reserved Seats: SC

The Supreme Court of Pakistan has ruled that amendments to the Election Act cannot override its earlier decision on reserved seats, delivered on July 12, 2024. The court had ruled that any changes to the allocation of reserved seats for women and minorities must adhere strictly to constitutional guidelines. This decision comes amid significant political debate about whether recent amendments infringe upon the autonomy of the judiciary and the constitution.

The controversy arose when political parties clashed over the distribution of reserved seats in the National Assembly and provincial legislatures. Some factions argued that the recent amendments unfairly favor certain political parties. The SC’s ruling effectively reinforces its earlier stance, ensuring that reserved seats remain governed by its constitutional interpretation.

This decision has been met with mixed reactions, with some political groups hailing it as a victory for judicial independence, while others argue that it stifles legislative progress. Legal experts believe this ruling sets a precedent that future electoral reforms will need to align with constitutional provisions​