CHITRAL: Residents of Upper and Lower Chitral continue to face a political vacuum as the only member of the National Assembly, Abdul Latif of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has been languishing in jail for the last about seven months.
Latif has been in jail for the past seven months after being sentenced to 10 years in prison in a case related to the alleged burning of a police station. Before his conviction, he had reportedly remained absent from court proceedings for nearly four months, after which the court handed down its verdict in his absence.
Following the conviction, an appeal was filed in the high court. The court subsequently set aside the Election Commission’s decision to hold a by-election and directed the formation of a two-member larger bench to hear the case. However, the matter has since been adjourned indefinitely, leaving the constituency without representation in the National Assembly.
The delay has raised concerns among residents, who say they are being deprived of their constitutional right to representation. Many argue that the prolonged legal uncertainty has effectively sidelined the issues of the region at the federal level.
Speaking on the matter, former candidate Talha Mahmood expressed skepticism about obtaining relief through the courts. He stated that if he were to approach the judiciary, he does not expect a favorable outcome under the current circumstances.
Citizens of Chitral have called for clarity, urging authorities either to reinstate the lawmaker if legally justified or to announce by-elections so that the region can regain its voice in parliament.
