Verdict on reserved seats Saif sees bid to sideline PTI

MINGORA: Special Assistant for Information and Public Relations, Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, has criticized the Supreme Court’s verdict on reserved seats, terming it one of the most “infamous and unconstitutional decisions” in Pakistan’s history.

Addressing a press conference at the Swat Press Club, he said the verdict was a deliberate attempt to sideline Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and warned that the entire nation would bear the consequences.

Barrister Saif claimed that the people’s mandate was being violated under the guise of the 26th Constitutional Amendment.“Handing over PTI’s reserved seats to other parties is nothing short of electoral theft,” he said.“Those tasked with safeguarding the Constitution have stabbed the nation in the back,” he alleged.

Speaking about PTI founder Imran Khan, Saif alleged that he was being punished for crimes he never committed. “False cases were filed against him, he was arrested, and is now unjustly imprisoned to suppress PTI’s popularity - but the nation still stands with him, and he will emerge victorious,” Saif asserted.

The adviser also took aim at ANP leader Aimal Wali Khan, demanding that he first clarify how the establishment made him a senator from Balochistan before criticizing others. “Those who were brought forward under the shadow of the establishment have no moral right to criticize others,” he said.

Referring to Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Saif claimed he was the biggest beneficiary of the reserved seats. “If he is sincere in his religious claims, he should voluntarily give up those seats. Let him first bring democracy to his own party before lecturing others,” he added.

Barrister Saif urged the so-called democratic parties to return the reserved seats that were originally allotted to PTI, arguing that it was neither their constitutional nor moral right.“Snatching PTI’s seats and handing them to others is a clear betrayal of the people’s trust,” he said.

On economic matters, he stated that PTI aims to promote trade with Afghanistan to uplift the economy of the border regions but faces unjustified opposition.“No one questions it when the Sindh chief minister signs trade agreements with China, but when we seek regional trade ties, we are unfairly criticized. These double standards are unacceptable,” he said.

Regarding terrorism, Saif emphasized that the issue cannot be resolved by military operations alone. “It is a social, political, and administrative problem that requires public involvement and seriousness from state institutions,” he noted.

He lamented the federal government’s failure to provide financial and technical assistance and its continued disregard for the recommendations of the Apex Committee. Commenting on the recent Swat tragedy, he said that a comprehensive probe report had been prepared and strict action would be taken against those found negligent in the report.