PHC Reserves Verdict on ECP’s Review Plea Over PTI’s ‘Bat’ Symbol

The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has deferred its decision on a review petition submitted by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) against the January 26 ruling by a single-member bench concerning Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) electoral symbol, the ‘bat’, and intra-party elections.

On December 26, the high court issued a verdict on PTI’s appeal challenging the ECP’s decision that had revoked PTI’s right to use the ‘bat’ symbol.

Justice Ejaz Khan, presiding over a single-member bench, oversaw the hearing, where Advocate Anwar and Barrister Gohar Khan represented PTI.

Advocate Anwar pointed out that although the PHC had delivered its decision on December 26, it had not been enforced yet. He highlighted that political parties in court expressed their support for the Election Commission.

Also Read: ECP Appeals Against PHC Ruling On PTI’s Bat

PTI’s lawyer questioned whether the ECP could challenge the high court’s ruling and inquired about any contempt cases filed by PTI. Justice Khan emphasized that PTI seeks fair elections under the ECP’s jurisdiction.

The court, having heard arguments from both sides, reserved its verdict.

Regarding the ECP’s decision, on December 2, it invalidated PTI’s intra-party elections for the third time in the last year, rendering PTI ineligible for the ‘bat’ symbol.

Also Read: Peshawar High Court Reinstates PTI’s ‘Bat’ Symbol for Upcoming Elections

The ECP ruled that PTI failed to comply with directions outlined in the Elections Act 2017 and did not conduct intra-party elections as per PTI’s Constitution 2019, Elections Act 2017, and Election Rules 2017.

PTI, challenging this decision, took the matter to the Peshawar High Court. The intra-party elections, resulting in Barrister Gohar Khan’s election as the party chairman, occurred on December 2 but faced criticism, with PTI founding member Akbar S. Babar alleging an unfair selection process to exclude party workers in favor of a select few lawyers.