Bat Symbol
The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Qazi Faizaisa, is set to resume the hearing on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) case concerning the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) appeal against the Peshawar High Court’s (PHC) verdict, which restored PTI’s electoral symbol — the bat.
During the Friday hearing, Chief Justice Qazi Faizaisa emphasized the fundamental right of every political party member to cast their vote. He stated that depriving any party member of this right would be tantamount to imposing a dictatorship at the national level and a violation of rights.
The legal dispute revolves around the PHC’s decision to reinstate the bat symbol to PTI following the party’s appeal against the ECP’s ruling. The ECP had initially revoked PTI’s electoral symbol, citing non-compliance with its own constitution in organizing elections. The Supreme Court bench, comprised of Chief Justice Isa, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, and Justice Musarrat Hilali, will review the ECP’s petition against the PHC’s decision.
Representatives from both sides, including PTI lawyer Hamid Khan and ECP lawyer Makhdoom Ali Khan, presented their arguments during the hearing. PTI lawyer Ali Zafar participated in the proceedings via video link from the Supreme Court’s Lahore registry.
Chief Justice Isa underscored the constitutional status of the ECP, asserting that no external interference should occur within its jurisdiction. The legal deliberations in this case highlight the complex interplay between electoral regulations, party constitution adherence, and the overarching principles of democratic rights.
The outcome of the Supreme Court’s decision will have significant implications for PTI’s electoral symbol and the broader legal framework governing political party elections in Pakistan.
