Bat Symbol
ISLAMABAD: The legal battle over the electoral symbol of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) continues as the Supreme Court of Pakistan is set to hear the appeal filed by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) against the reinstatement of the ‘bat’ symbol for PTI. The three-member bench, led by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa and including Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Justice Musarrat Hilali, will deliberate on the case, challenging the recent verdict of the Peshawar High Court (PHC).
The ECP contends that the PHC’s decision, which restored the ‘bat’ symbol on PTI’s petition, goes against the constitution and established law. The PHC had nullified the ECP’s earlier order, allowing PTI to retain the ‘bat’ symbol, prompting the ECP to bring the matter to the Supreme Court.
Today’s legal move follows a consultative meeting chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, where the decision to challenge the PHC’s ruling was taken. The election commission’s legal team swiftly prepared the petition, emphasizing the constitutional aspects of the case.
In response to the PHC’s decision, which overturned the ECP’s declaration of PTI’s intra-party polls as null and void and restored the ‘bat’ symbol, the ECP sought redress from the apex court. The PHC directed the electoral body to upload PTI’s certificate on its website, further complicating the matter.
The legal wrangling stems from the ECP’s initial decision to revoke PTI’s use of the ‘bat’ symbol, a move challenged by PTI in the PHC. The PHC’s January 3 decision, nullifying the stay order and restoring the ECP’s initial verdict, triggered the ongoing legal tussle, underscoring the significance of the electoral symbol in the political landscape. As the Supreme Court prepares to weigh in, the outcome will have far-reaching implications for PTI’s electoral participation and the broader electoral process.
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