The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has initiated a review petition against the Supreme Court’s verdict to revoke their emblematic “bat” symbol. Filed on Tuesday, the petition seeks to overturn this decision and reinstate the Peshawar High Court’s ruling that previously allowed PTI to retain the symbol for its intra-party elections.
Highlighting alleged procedural inconsistencies and unfair treatment by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), PTI argues for the legitimacy of their intra-party elections and criticizes the ECP’s interference in what it views as internal party matters.
Allegations of Unfair Practices
PTI’s petition elaborates on instances of alleged obstruction faced by its candidates, including “abductions” by unidentified individuals purportedly aimed at preventing their participation in the general elections. The petition underscores a violation of fundamental rights, arguing that withdrawing the “bat” symbol undermines PTI and disenfranchises its supporters, contravening constitutional guarantees for political participation.
Represented by senior advocates Hamid Khan and Barrister Ali Zafar, PTI challenges the Supreme Court’s interpretation of the facts surrounding its intra-party elections and contends that the ECP’s decision to withdraw the symbol exceeds its jurisdiction. The review petition calls for an annulment of this decision, emphasizing the need for a fair electoral process and the protection of voters’ fundamental rights.
This legal move follows a significant setback for PTI. The Supreme Court’s January 13 ruling negated the Peshawar High Court’s verdict, citing “unconstitutional” practices in PTI’s internal elections as the basis for its decision.
