The Election Commission of Pakistan has reserved its judgment following a hearing on the distribution of reserved seats in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

A five-member bench, led by the Chief Election Commissioner, listened to arguments from lawyers representing the PML-N, PPP, JUI, ANP, and PTI.

During the proceedings, the Chief Election Commissioner emphasized that the case specifically concerns reserved seats in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Lawyers presented various legal points, the allocation of seats among political parties, and the notification process.

The PML-N lawyer contended that notifications for successful candidates were issued in phases and stressed the importance of joining a political party within three days of notification for reserved seat allocation.

He argued that since JUI and PML-N have an equal number of seats, the reserved seats should also be split equally, proposing that both parties should receive nine seats. If the seats are equal, he suggested a toss to decide the outcome.

PPP lawyer Nayyar Bukhari noted that his party only holds four seats in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly and insisted that the dispute between PML-N and JUI should be settled first.

The ANP lawyer highlighted that their party secured one seat in the recent by-elections, influencing the distribution of reserved seats.

The Chief Election Commissioner remarked that notifications for reserved seats were issued in two phases, with the situation concerning the Sunni Ittehad Council addressed first.

After considering arguments from all parties, the Election Commission has reserved its decision, which could significantly affect the balance of power in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly regarding reserved seat distribution.