The PTI’s decision to approach the Supreme Court follows the Peshawar High Court’s decision.
Islamabad: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has made a final attempt to reclaim its distinctive ‘bat’ electoral symbol by moving the Supreme Court ahead of the February 8 polls. The party views the electoral symbol as crucial, and the move comes after the Peshawar High Court revoked a stay order that had temporarily restored the PTI’s symbol. Losing the symbol could potentially lead to confusion among voters during the upcoming elections.
The PTI’s decision to approach the Supreme Court follows the Peshawar High Court’s decision to uphold the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) declaration of the party’s intra-party polls as “illegal” and stripping it of the ‘bat’ symbol. The PHC, in its order, noted that the earlier stay order had created hindrances in the election process and directed the ECP to proceed with the election process as per its constitutional mandate.
The ECP had filed a review petition against the PHC’s decision, seeking to uphold its order declaring PTI’s intra-party polls void. The PTI contends that the ECP does not have jurisdiction to challenge the internal appointments of officials within the party or declare its intra-party elections null and void. The party’s appeal to the Supreme Court aims to challenge the ECP’s authority in this matter.
More From Daily The Destination: ECP Appeals to Supreme Court Against PHC Ruling on RO Appointment
Former PTI chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan emphasized the importance of the electoral symbol, expressing concerns that the absence of the ‘bat’ could lead to increased “horse trading.” The PTI is urging the Supreme Court to expedite the hearing of its petition to address the challenges it faces in the upcoming elections.
