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In a major political development that could significantly alter the legislative landscape of Pakistan, the ruling coalition has secured a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly. This shift comes after the Supreme Court of Pakistan ruled against the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC)—the new platform adopted by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) following its exclusion from the February 2024 general elections—and directed that reserved seats previously allocated to SIC be redistributed among other political parties. This decision has not only reshaped the parliamentary numbers but has also empowered the ruling alliance with unprecedented legislative authority.
The 2024 general elections were marked by controversy, with PTI-backed candidates contesting as independents due to the loss of their party’s electoral symbol. Many of these independent candidates joined the Sunni Ittehad Council post-election in an attempt to secure reserved seats for women and minorities—seats that are proportionally distributed based on general seat victories of political parties.
However, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and subsequently the Supreme Court rejected this move, arguing that SIC did not submit a list of reserved seat nominees before the deadline, nor did it meet the constitutional criteria as a legitimate beneficiary of such allocations. As a result, these seats were reallocated among other parliamentary parties, primarily the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F).
Before the reallocation, the ruling alliance already commanded a comfortable simple majority. However, the addition of nearly two dozen seats has pushed them well past the 224-member threshold required for a two-thirds majority in the 336-member house.
According to updated figures:
PML-N now holds approximately 125 seats.
PPP commands around 75 seats.
JUI-F has increased its share to around 10–12.
Several other smaller parties and independents aligned with the government further strengthen this position.
In contrast, the opposition—comprising independents loyal to PTI, SIC, and a few regional parties—has been weakened significantly and lacks the numerical strength to effectively challenge legislative motions.
The attainment of a two-thirds majority gives the government the constitutional authority to:
Amend the Constitution without requiring input from opposition parties.
Restructure or abolish key institutions through parliamentary acts.
Pass sweeping reforms in sectors like judiciary, economy, and civil service.
Alter or introduce new electoral frameworks.
This has raised both hope and concern within political circles and civil society. Supporters argue that the strengthened majority can bring much-needed political stability and enable the government to pursue structural reforms previously hindered by parliamentary deadlock. Critics, however, warn that such unchecked power could erode democratic checks and balances, especially in the absence of a strong opposition.
For the PTI, which remains popular among large sections of the public but politically marginalized due to disqualification and defections, this ruling is a severe blow. The party’s strategy to align with SIC for reserved seats has not only failed but also further alienated it from the formal parliamentary process.
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, currently incarcerated, has labeled the move as part of an orchestrated plan to eliminate PTI from the political mainstream. PTI leaders have vowed to challenge the ruling internationally and continue their political movement through public mobilization and digital platforms.
Legal and political analysts are divided over the implications of the Supreme Court’s verdict. Some legal experts uphold the decision as consistent with constitutional provisions regarding the allocation of reserved seats. Others argue that the spirit of proportional representation has been compromised and that voters who supported PTI-backed independents are effectively disenfranchised.
Civil society groups have expressed concern about the growing centralization of power and the lack of representation for a significant electoral mandate. Calls for electoral reforms, including legislation to regulate independent candidacies and post-election alliances, are gaining traction.
Pakistan’s political dynamics have entered a new phase following this Supreme Court ruling. With a two-thirds majority in hand, the ruling coalition finds itself in an unchallenged position of authority, capable of shaping the country’s future direction. Whether this power is used to strengthen democratic institutions or concentrate authority further will determine the country’s political trajectory in the years to come.
For now, the opposition is left to regroup, and the public watches closely as Pakistan’s democratic landscape is redefined—once again not at the ballot box, but in the courtroom.
Reference: قومی اسمبلی میں نئی پارٹی پوزیشن،حکومت کو دوتہائی اکثریت مل گئی
