Peshawar High Court (PHC) has suspended the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) decision to nullify Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) intra-party polls, leading to the revocation of the party’s iconic ‘bat’ symbol. The court has restored the PTI’s electoral symbol and issued notices to all involved parties. This marks a significant development for the party facing offence on multiple fronts in Pakistan much like its adversaries.
The PTI’s counsel contended that the ECP’s ruling violated Article 17, that guarantees every citizen’s right to form a political party. Justice Miankhel questioned the authority of the ECP to nullify the polls, emphasizing the need for fair and transparent elections.
BAT SYMBOL RESTORATION
PHC’s decision, the PTI’s ‘bat’ symbol has been reinstated, allowing the party to participate in the upcoming general elections. The court has temporarily suspended the ECP’s ruling until a final judgment is reached.
Additional Attorney General (AAG) Sanaullah states that the ECP can deem intra-party polls invalid in the absence of sufficient evidence.
The court adjourned the session by announcing that election symbols would be allotted on January 13.
