The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has postponed its hearing until August 7 regarding the issue of political parties failing to allocate 5% of general election tickets to women. A 4-member bench, led by ECP member Nisar Durrani, conducted the hearing. The commission noted that numerous parties have not met the 5% quota for women on general seats and often allocate tickets in constituencies where they have minimal support. The bench highlighted that 10 parties have not implemented this mandate. During the proceedings, the ECP inquired about the potential consequences of not adhering to the quota, stating that failure to comply could result in the withdrawal of party election symbols. According to ECP records, the Balochistan National Party (BNP) Mengal allocated only 3.84% of tickets to women. BNP Mengal’s counsel requested a two-week extension, while representatives from Tehreek-e-Labaik and Sulaiman Khan Tribes Movement also sought additional time to submit their responses.

The lawyer for Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Pakistan Noorani mentioned that their candidates, including one woman, had withdrawn their nominations in favor of the People's Party. The court directed Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Pakistan Noorani's lawyer to submit a written statement with an affidavit. Meanwhile, Pakistan Ideological Party's lawyer claimed they met the quota in Punjab but faced challenges in other provinces. Member Election Commission raised a query about the applicability of the 5% quota to the Senate, asking for a detailed explanation of the terms "Parliament" and "Provincial Assemblies" as used in the Election Act. Several parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, Awami National Party, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Pakistan Imam Noorani, Pakistan Awami Tehreek, Pakistan Rah Haq, and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (S), did not appear before the commission. The ECP issued another notice to these parties and adjourned the hearing until August 7. The case stems from a complaint filed by Aurat Foundation on February 6, highlighting the non-compliance of the 5% women’s quota in general seats.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan