As the legal battle unfolds, the PTI remains optimistic about the restoration of its electoral symbol, anticipating a favorable verdict from the PHC.
PESHAWAR: Justice Kamran Hayat Miankel of the Peshawar High Court has commenced hearings on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) petition challenging the Election Commission of Pakistan‘s (ECP) order, which declared the party’s intra-party polls illegal and revoked its electoral symbol, the “bat.”
During the proceedings, PTI’s counsel, Ali Zafar, argued that the ECP’s decision was illegal and unconstitutional, emphasizing the party’s compliance with the 20-day timeframe for holding internal elections. Zafar stated that the ECP had initially acknowledged the validity of PTI’s intra-party polls by issuing a certificate but later withdrew the electoral symbol, preventing the party’s participation in future elections.
Highlighting constitutional rights, Zafar referred to Article 17, emphasizing the right to form associations and conduct elections. He asserted that the ECP lacked the authority to question the election of party officials and urged the court to consider a Supreme Court verdict supporting this stance.
The PTI’s petition, filed earlier today, argues that the ECP exceeded its jurisdiction by determining the procedure for intra-party elections. It also contends that the complainant challenging the polls was not a party member.
On December 22, the ECP declared PTI’s intra-party polls as “unconstitutional” and revoked its claim to the “bat” symbol. The PTI has urged the court to declare the ECP’s order as illegal and requested the immediate restoration of its electoral symbol.
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Political analyst Mazhar Abbas noted the rarity of the election commission declaring internal polls unlawful and suggested that the PTI may be facing an orchestrated challenge.
In addition to the intra-party turmoil, the PTI faces the incarceration of its former chairman, Imran Khan. Although granted bail in a cipher-related case, Imran Khan remains in custody on other charges, and his eligibility for future elections is uncertain due to a previous corruption conviction.
As the legal battle unfolds, the PTI remains optimistic about the restoration of its electoral symbol, anticipating a favorable verdict from the Peshawar High Court. The outcome of these proceedings will undoubtedly shape the party’s political landscape in the coming weeks.
