[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text dp_text_size=”size-4″]Pastan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lost its “bat” election symbol after the Supreme Court of Pakistan declared the Peshawar High Court’s verdict null and void. kiThe three-judge bench, including Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa and Justices Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Musarrat Hilali, reserved the verdict following arguments from both sides.
During the hearing, a senior Supreme Court judge emphasized the need for PTI to ensure a level playing field within the party by conducting transparent intra-party elections according to the constitution. The judge stated that this would make PTI the most transparent party in Pakistan.
Read more : Big Suprise From PTI: Batsman If Not Bat For Eletions 2024
PTI’s lawyer, Barrister Ali Zafar, argued that neither the Constitution nor the Elections Act 2017 granted the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) the authority to review intra-party elections. He contended that contesting elections with an electoral symbol was a political party’s right and accused the ECP of discrimination. Zafar claimed that PTI’s intra-party elections adhered to the party’s constitution and criticized the ECP for setting aside the polls despite responding to its queries.
Chief Justice Isa stressed the importance of democracy within political parties and the country. He highlighted the need to verify that intra-party elections were conducted, acknowledging the role of Akbar S. Babar within PTI. The Chief Justice urged PTI’s counsel to either provide the full context for allegations of mala fide against the ECP or keep the arguments strictly legal.
The PTI counsel, Hamid, opted to keep arguments non-political and withdrew the mala fide allegations. Chief Justice Isa pressed PTI’s counsel to substantiate claims of mala fide, emphasizing the importance of transparency and democracy within political parties.
The Supreme Court’s decision follows the Peshawar High Court’s verdict that nullified the ECP’s order to strip PTI of the “bat” symbol. PTI moved the PHC to challenge the ECP’s decision, and the PHC bench announced the verdict in favor of PTI, restoring its use of the “bat” symbol. The SC’s decision regarding PTI’s election symbol is anticipated to be announced shortly.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
