PHC Revokes PTI’s Bat Symbol After ECP’s Appeal

On Wednesday, the Peshawar High Court (PHC) lifted the stay order, reinstating the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) decision to nullify the PTI intra-party polls and revoke its election symbol, the bat.

The high court had previously announced its verdict on December 26 in response to a petition by PTI challenging the ECP’s decision regarding the ‘bat’ symbol.

Justice Ejaz Khan, presiding over a single-member bench, delivered the reserved verdict on a review plea filed by the ECP against the earlier order issued on January 26 by another single-member bench.

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

Advocate Anwar and Barrister Gohar Khan represented PTI during the proceedings. Advocate Anwar noted during the hearing that although the PHC had announced its verdict on December 26, it had not been implemented yet. He mentioned that political parties, while in court, expressed their support for the Election Commission.

In response, PTI’s lawyer questioned whether the ECP could challenge the high court’s ruling and inquired about the possibility of the ECP approaching the court in this regard. Justice Khan further asked if PTI had filed any contempt case in this matter and remarked that PTI desires the ECP to conduct elections that are free and fair. Subsequently, the court reserved the verdict after considering arguments from both sides.