ECP declares PTI, SIC-backed MPs as independents

ISLAMABAD: In a setback for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Thursday declared its lawmakers and those of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) as independents.

The development is expected to create a complex situation for the PTI, which enjoys a commanding position in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly and is preparing to elect a new chief minister.

The ECP issued a notification redesignating the members of PTI and SIC in the National and provincial assemblies as independents, following a Supreme Court order. This has led to major changes in party positions across all assemblies, with new lists being issued.

The apex court issued its detailed decision on the reserved seats case on October 2, 2025, stating that the PTI had received relief without being a party to the case, which was unsustainable. The judgment further stated that Article 187 of the Constitution could not be applied in this context, as its use had granted benefits to a party not present before the court and had resulted in the de-notification of assembly members through relief that fell outside the constitutional scope.

According to the newly announced timelines, all administrative arrangements—including procuring maps, issuing fresh demarcation notifications, printing forms and appointing and training delimitation committees and authorities—will be completed by October 12.

The preparation of the preliminary list of constituencies by the delimitation committees will take place from October 13 to 31. This preliminary list will be published for objections on November 1.

Voters may file objections with the delimitation authorities from November 2 to 16. The authorities will dispose of these objections by December 1, with decisions communicated to the delimitation committees by December 5. The final list of constituencies will be published on December 8.