Mishal Yousafzai Heads to Court Over Notification Delay
PESHAWAR – Mishal Yousafzai, the newly elected senator from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has announced her decision to approach the Peshawar High Court against the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). The move comes after the ECP failed to issue her official notification, despite her victory in the recent Senate by-election.
The by-election was held on 31 July 2025 for the Senate seat vacated by Dr. Sania Nishtar, and Mishal Yousafzai secured a clear victory as the PTI candidate. However, over a week has passed since the election, and no formal notification of her success has been issued by the ECP. As a result, she has been unable to take her oath of office in the Senate.
Elected, but Still Not a Senator
In a statement to Dunya News, Yousafzai expressed her growing frustration over the delay.
“It’s been seven days since I won the election, but I still haven’t received my notification. Because of this, I can’t take the oath,” she said.
She further added that other senators elected from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the same period were allowed to take their oaths without any delay. The delay in her case, she argued, was unusual and concerning.
Yousafzai also raised concerns about the lack of transparency from the ECP.
“No explanation has been provided by the Commission about why my notification is being held back,” she said.
ECP Responds, Blames Procedural Delays
Responding to the issue, Sohail Khan, a spokesperson for the Election Commission in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, clarified that all necessary documentation regarding Yousafzai’s election had been forwarded to the ECP’s central office in Islamabad.
“The notification should have been issued already. We expect it will be completed today or tomorrow,” he said.
Despite this assurance, the delay has raised constitutional concerns, as the seat remains technically unfilled, and the elected representative cannot begin her duties without the formal notification.
A Legal and Political Test
The case has now turned into a legal and political test for the Election Commission. Mishal Yousafzai’s decision to take the matter to court could result in further scrutiny of the ECP’s internal processes and transparency.
Legal experts suggest that if the court finds the delay unjustified, it may set a precedent for holding election authorities accountable for unexplained procedural lapses. The Peshawar High Court is expected to hear the case soon after the petition is filed.
Political Profile: Mishal Yousafzai
Mishal Yousafzai is a rising figure in Pakistani politics and a prominent member of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). She was nominated by PTI for the Senate women’s seat, a move that reflected the party’s confidence in her potential. Her recent win from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was seen as a symbolic victory for the party, especially at a time when PTI faces increasing political and legal pressure nationwide.
The seat she won, previously held by Dr. Sania Nishtar, is considered a significant post, often associated with national policymaking roles in health, development, and women’s empowerment.
Unfolding Scenario: What’s at Stake?
While the ECP has not officially stated any reason for the delay, the situation has raised questions about electoral integrity and fair procedure. Observers are watching closely to see whether this is a bureaucratic oversight or something more politically sensitive.
The outcome of the case could have implications beyond a single Senate seat. It touches on the ECP’s credibility, institutional accountability, and the rights of elected representatives to assume their constitutional roles without administrative hurdles.
As of now, Mishal Yousafzai remains senator-elect — but not yet a sitting senator. And for that to change, she may now need the court’s help.
