PTI to take loyalty oaths from lawmakers amid defection fears
In a move reflective of deepening political unease, the parliamentary party of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has decided to administer fresh loyalty oaths to its lawmakers, amid concerns of possible defections following a Supreme Court verdict on reserved seats.
According to a report by Express News on Tuesday, the PTI has convened a crucial meeting of its parliamentary party in Islamabad on Wednesday. All members of the national and provincial assemblies affiliated with the party have been directed to attend.
Party insiders said that the primary focus of the meeting will be the evolving political dynamics in light of the apex court's recent decision, which stripped PTI of its claim to nearly 80 reserved seats in national and provincial legislatures.
Discussions will also centre around the political calculus in Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), where shifting alliances could prove pivotal in the coming days.
Read More: PTI loses court battle for reserved seats
Particularly in K-P, where PTI-backed independents hold sway, the party leadership remains wary of overtures by rival political forces. Thirty-five of these independents—previously aligned with PTI—are expected to retake loyalty pledges, reaffirming their commitment to the party.
Sources confirmed that a similar oath-taking exercise had been carried out post-elections, but fresh fears of desertions have prompted renewed action.
The Supreme Court's short order, issued last week, overturned a July 12, 2024 verdict that had restored PTI's status as a parliamentary party and granted it access to reserved seats.
The recent ruling has significantly altered the balance of power in the National Assembly, bolstering the position of the ruling coalition, which now stands within reach of a two-thirds majority—an outcome with far-reaching implications for constitutional amendments and governance.
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