Supreme Court Decision Reignites Political Tensions in Pakistan

Pakistan's Supreme Court ruled that Imran Khan's PTI party is eligible for 20 reserved seats in the national legislature, increasing pressure on the coalition government. Though it does not change the parliamentary majority, the decision supports PTI's claims of electoral fraud.

Pakistan's Supreme Court has ruled that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, led by jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, is entitled to over 20 extra reserved seats in the national legislature. This decision adds pressure to the country's already fragile coalition government.

During the Feb. 8 election, PTI candidates contested as independents after the party was barred from participating in the polls. Although they won the most seats, the election commission had previously deemed independents ineligible for the 70 reserved seats, which are meant only for political parties.

The Supreme Court's ruling does not alter the majority held by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's coalition government but does strengthen the political stance of Khan’s supporters, who have alleged electoral fraud. Western nations have urged Pakistan to investigate these claims, which Pakistan has thus far resisted.