In Islamabad, Supreme Court Justice Jamal Mandukhel has commented on the return of election symbols, stating that it signifies the end of a political party’s influence and presence, akin to a funeral procession passing by.
Chief Justice Qazi Faiz Isa led a full court session addressing a case concerning specific seats within the Sunni Union Council. The Sunni Ittehad Council has appealed to the Supreme Court against the Peshawar High Court’s decision regarding these seats. Previously, a three-member bench of the Supreme Court had suspended the Peshawar High Court’s decision regarding additional seats.
During the proceedings, Faisal Siddiqui, representing the Sunni Ittehad Council, highlighted that 77 seats were disputed, comprising 22 National Assembly seats and 55 provincial seats. However, Chief Justice Isa interjected, instructing Siddiqui not to refer to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as ‘KPK’, emphasizing the preference for using full names rather than abbreviations.
Siddiqui further argued that winning candidates affiliated with his party had displayed party certificates, yet the Election Commission categorized them as independent candidates. Justice Mandukhel questioned the Election Commission’s authority to declare candidates independent despite party affiliations being evident.
Chief Justice Isa inquired whether any parties supporting the Sunni Ittehad Council were present in court. However, all parties opposed the council’s request, indicating a desire for additional mixed seats.
Justice Athar Minullah raised the question of whether political parties lose all rights once election symbols are returned. Justice Mandukhel pondered if the dissolution of a political party could be inferred from the return of election symbols, citing confusion over the status of the PTI party.
Siddiqui attempted to respond, but was halted by Chief Justice Isa, who urged him to present arguments coherently. Siddiqui’s lighthearted remark prompted Justice Muneeb Akhtar to comment on the complexities of full court sessions.
According to Justice Muneeb Akhtar, the Election Commission’s notification indicated that the Sunni Ittehad Council did not secure any seats in the elections, questioning the logic behind their orders.
Justice Mandukhel expressed concern that seats might be awarded to PTI instead of the Sunni alliance.
Chief Justice Isa reiterated the importance of presenting arguments clearly, emphasizing the responsibility of addressing judges’ questions. Justice Muneeb Akhtar criticized Siddiqui’s statement as irresponsible, asserting that judges have the right to ask questions during full court sessions.
