The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is grappling with a serious legal and political crisis following the Supreme Court’s recent decision to deprive it of reserved seats in the National Assembly and provincial legislatures. While this verdict has already weakened the party’s presence, another, potentially more damaging, storm is brewing.
Trial courts have until August 8 to deliver verdicts in dozens of May 9-related cases involving key PTI lawmakers. This deadline stems from a Supreme Court directive issued on April 8, when a bench led by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi instructed courts to conclude all such cases within four months. The court dismissed concerns raised by defence lawyers, some of whom pointed out that individual defendants are facing upwards of 30 cases each.
The chief justice, however, maintained that anti-terrorism courts have historically demonstrated the capacity to handle complex and politically sensitive matters in a timely manner. As the deadline draws closer, PTI insiders are increasingly worried about a cascade of convictions — and with them, automatic disqualifications from both houses of Parliament and provincial assemblies.
The looming possibility of further losses has set off alarm bells within the party. Discussions among senior leadership reveal widespread anxiety over the direction the judiciary is taking. Many members believe that in the current climate, the courts may not extend fair treatment to PTI-affiliated individuals.
The fear is not merely theoretical. Disqualifications stemming from convictions could diminish PTI’s representation even further — potentially jeopardizing its government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and significantly weakening its role in national politics.