The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has launched a legal fight to regain its iconic ‘bat’ symbol after the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) annulled its intra-party elections and revoked the symbol.
Barrister Gohar Khan, representing the PTI, on Tuesday filed a petition in the Peshawar High Court, seeking to overturn the ECP’s decision. He says they hope the petition will be fixed for hearing tomorrow.
The petition argues that the ECP’s decision to nullify the PTI’s intra-party elections and withdraw the bat symbol is “illegal and unconstitutional”. PTI lawyers contend that the elections were conducted fairly and transparently, and the ECP’s intervention undermines internal party democracy.
The petition maintains that the election commission did not have the authority to rule regarding the method of conducting intra-party elections, adding that those who challenged the PTI elections were not even party members.
In the petition, the petitioners challenging the election and intra-party elections have also been made parties.
The election declared the PTI inter-party elections null and void and withdrew the election symbol.
In the petition, the court has been requested to constitute a bench consisting of senior judges and appoint it for hearing today.
The PTI spokesperson confirmed the party’s intention to “push for an early hearing,” expressing hope that the petition will be heard tomorrow. This urgency stems from the upcoming February general elections, in which PTI wants to contest with its bat symbol.
The ECP’s decision stemmed from complaints about irregularities in PTI’s intraparty elections. The commission found inconsistencies in voter lists and raised concerns about transparency in the process. However, the PTI maintains that these claims are baseless and politically motivated.
