After the inclusion of PTI-backed Independents, the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) has approached the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to request the allocation of reserved seats.
The SIC has formally submitted an application to the ECP for this purpose, citing that approximately 50 PTI-backed Independents have joined their ranks and should now be considered as SIC lawmakers.
In their plea to the ECP, the SIC has requested that seats reserved for women and minorities be allotted to their council. This move comes after PTI-backed Independents announced their decision to join the SIC during a news conference on Monday.
Speaking alongside leaders of the SIC and the Majlis-e-Waddatul Muslimeen (MWM), PTI leader Barrister Gohar claimed victory on 180 National Assembly seats for his party. He stated that PTI-backed Independents who were elected to the National Assembly, Punjab, and KP assemblies would now align themselves with the SIC, emphasizing that this alliance was formed for the benefit of the country.
In a formal agreement with the SIC, PTI-backed candidates submitted affidavits confirming their allegiance. Gohar explained during a press conference that this move was aimed at securing reserved seats and protecting party members. He indicated that the PTI would submit the necessary documentation to the ECP to formalize this arrangement and request the allocation of reserved seats based on party strength.
PTI leader Omar Ayub echoed similar sentiments, stating that joining the SIC would bolster the party’s representation in the National Assembly. Ayub, the PTI nominee for the position of prime minister, expressed confidence that this strategic move would position their party to form the government.
