PESHAWAR – Power at brink in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf rule faces collapse after major verdict from Supreme Court.
The political climate in country’s northwest entered state of uncertainty after Supreme Court’s decision to nullify allocation of reserved seats to Imran Khan’s party, placing the provincial government led by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur at serious risk.
In a landmark ruling, the country’s top court declared PTI was not entitled to the 25 reserved seats it had previously been awarded, effectively leaving those positions vacant in the KP Assembly. The verdict has significantly shifted the balance of power in the 145-member house, where the opposition now sees a renewed opportunity to challenge the ruling coalition.
The opposition alliance, which includes five parties and currently holds 27 seats, could potentially increase its strength to 53. Meanwhile, the Gandapur-led government, previously backed by 93 members including 58 from PTI is now on shaky ground, as those PTI members are no longer recognized as party affiliates and are considered independents.
This legal blow had immediate political consequences as role of 35 independent lawmakers become crucial, with their support potentially determining the future of the provincial government.
If opposition can rally further support, their numbers could swell to 88 just five short of the total assembly strength. With only 73 votes needed for a simple majority, the possibility of a no-confidence motion or government change has become increasingly plausible.
Adding to complexity, defections from PTI-backed independents will not invoke Article 63(A) of the Constitution, the clause that prevents lawmakers from switching sides without risking disqualification, since these members are no longer technically affiliated with any party.
Political analysts believe the coming days will be critical as both the government and opposition attempt to secure the loyalties of key independent lawmakers. The situation could lead to a dramatic realignment in KP’s provincial politics.
Supreme Court revokes PTI’s right to Reserved Seats in major ruling
