PHC Halts ECP’s Decision to Revoke PTI’s “Bat” Symbol

In a major development for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the Peshawar High Court (PHC) has put a hold on the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) decision to revoke the party’s iconic “bat” symbol.

The court announced that a double bench would hear the case after the winter vacations, responding to PTI’s petition against the ECP’s order deeming the intra-party polls “illegal.” This interim relief comes as a moment of hope for PTI amidst a series of legal challenges.

At the hearing’s onset, PTI’s lawyer, Ali Zafar, presented the case, emphasizing the party’s compliance with the ECP’s timeline for elections and the initial recognition of their intra-party polls. However, the ECP later withdrew the “bat” symbol, questioning the legitimacy of the election officer, thus invalidating the elections and potentially affecting PTI’s participation in the polls and its allocation of reserved seats.

Zafar argued that this move by the ECP was unconstitutional, violating Article 17 of the Constitution, which protects the right to form associations and elect officials.

The petition by PTI asserts that the ECP overstepped its authority by intervening in the intra-party election process. With the “bat” symbol’s withdrawal, PTI seeks the court’s intervention for its restoration, citing the fundamental rights under Articles 17 and 25 of the Constitution.

The party’s plea comes when its former chairman, Imran Khan, faces legal and political hurdles, including arrests and a ban from contesting elections. The struggle for PTI’s symbol is a legal battle and a fight to maintain its identity and momentum in Pakistan’s volatile political landscape.