PTI awaits more setbacks after judicial blow

ISLAMABAD: With the Supreme Court’s (SC) latest ruling stripping Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of its claim to special seats in the National and provincial assemblies, the embattled party now faces a far more daunting challenge.

August 8 is the deadline for trial courts to deliver verdicts in dozens of May 9-related cases involving many of PTI’s sitting lawmakers. The Supreme Court on April 8 had directed the trial courts to conclude all May 9 cases within four months. That deadline is now just 40 days away, and PTI insiders fear a wave of convictions could trigger the disqualification of multiple MPs, further weakening the party’s parliamentary presence.

Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, leading a three-member bench had issued the April directive, dismissed defence concerns over the feasibility of such an expedited timeline.

He cited some old precedents, to assert that anti-terrorism courts were fully capable of handling high-profile cases swiftly. One defence lawyer noted during the hearing that his client was facing 35 separate cases, highlighting the enormity of the legal dragnet surrounding PTI members. Still, the court maintained its stance, underlining the need for timely justice in politically sensitive trials.

The June 27th decision, depriving PTI of reserved seats, has already dealt a serious blow to its legislative strength. But the looming May 9 verdicts could prove even more devastating. If key party lawmakers are convicted, PTI could face further erosion i