ISLAMABAD — The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) finds itself on increasingly shaky ground following a Supreme Court ruling that stripped the party of its right to reserved seats in both national and provincial legislatures. This judicial blow may just be the beginning of more serious setbacks.
Adding to PTI’s woes is the fast-approaching deadline of August 8, by which trial courts must wrap up verdicts in dozens of cases related to the May 9 riots. These cases, involving several sitting lawmakers, were ordered to be concluded within four months under an April 8 directive from a three-member Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi.
Despite objections from defence counsel regarding the practicality of such an expedited timeline — with some accused facing as many as 35 cases — the court remained firm. Citing legal precedents, the bench emphasized that anti-terrorism courts are equipped to handle high-profile trials promptly and must deliver justice without undue delay.
Party insiders now fear a second wave of damage. Convictions under these trials may lead to the disqualification of numerous PTI members from the National Assembly, provincial legislatures, and even the Senate — a scenario that could significantly erode the party’s already diminished parliamentary standing. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where PTI currently holds power, the outcome of these trials could prove especially destabilizing.
Within PTI circles, concern continues to mount. Discussions among senior members reflect deep unease over the judiciary’s stance, with many expressing doubts about receiving fair treatment. As per legal precedent, any conviction would lead to automatic disqualification — an outcome that could change the political landscape dramatically in the weeks ahead.
