Pakistan

PTI seeks swift justice: SC urged for early hearing to resolve electoral symbol dispute

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Web Desk

3 years ago

PTI will be out of poll process if plea not taken up, says Gohar.

In a proactive move to address its electoral symbol predicament, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) filed a miscellaneous application in the Supreme Court on Saturday, earnestly seeking an expedited hearing of its petition challenging the Peshawar High Court’s (PHC) January 3 order. The order had revoked the stay on the Election Commission of Pakistan‘s (ECP) decision to nullify PTI’s intra-party polls and strip it of its iconic “bat” symbol.

The PTI, facing a critical juncture ahead of elections, urged the top court to schedule the hearing on Monday “in the interest of justice.” Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, representing PTI, emphasized the urgency of the matter, highlighting its implications on the party’s participation in the electoral process.

The plea underscored the significance of the election symbol, noting that without interim relief, PTI would be compelled to contest elections with individual symbols. This scenario could potentially lead to confusion among voters and undermine the party’s integrity in the electoral process.

Barrister Gohar Ali Khan articulated the potential consequences, stating, “Moreover, the applicant will have no share out of the 227 reserved seats.” The PTI’s plea highlighted the necessity of resolving the matter swiftly to ensure the party’s cohesive representation and adherence to electoral laws.

The dispute originated from the ECP’s order on December 22, which declared PTI’s intra-party polls “illegal” and revoked its use of the ‘bat’ symbol. The PHC’s subsequent orders added complexity to the situation, prompting the PTI to seek the Supreme Court’s intervention for a fair resolution.

The PTI, known for its resilience, continues to navigate legal avenues to secure its electoral symbol, emphasizing the importance of a unified representation in the upcoming elections. As the nation awaits the Supreme Court’s decision on the early hearing, this development underscores the commitment to upholding democratic principles and ensuring a fair electoral process.

Web Desk