Peshawar, June 27, 2025: The political dynamics of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Assembly have undergone a major shift following a decision by the Supreme Court’s constitutional bench, putting Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s government at risk.
According to the ruling, 25 reserved seats previously occupied by independent lawmakers backed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have been declared vacant. This decision has significantly reduced the ruling coalition’s strength while bolstering the opposition’s numbers.
Post-verdict, the opposition now commands 53 seats in the assembly, including 27 members from five allied parties. Meanwhile, 35 independent members continue to hold a decisive position in the house.
CM Gandapur’s government currently enjoys the support of 93 members, out of which 58 belong to PTI — though they are legally classified as independents. This status shields them from disqualification under Article 63-A, which pertains to floor crossing.
The KP Assembly requires 73 members for a simple majority. If the opposition successfully gains the support of the independent lawmakers, it could build a bloc of up to 88 members, posing a serious threat to the current government.
The Supreme Court’s decision overturned its previous July 12 ruling and upheld the verdict of the Peshawar High Court, effectively stripping PTI of its reserved seats. These seats are now expected to be redistributed among the ruling coalition’s opponents — a development that could significantly alter the province’s political future.
