PTI ko ‘ballay’ ka nishan milna mushki hogaya

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has ruled against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in a matter related to the party’s intra-party elections and the issuance of election symbols, as per Geo News.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Thursday ruled that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) intra-party polls were not transparent, ordering the party to hold new elections if it wishes to retain its ‘bat’ symbol.

The PTI has been asked by the commission to hold fresh elections within 20 days in a reserved verdict announced today.

“PTI’s intra-party elections cannot be accepted,” stated the verdict, directing it to hold polls and submit the record within seven days.

“If PTI fails to hold elections within 20 days then it will have to face severe consequences. In case of failure to hold [intra-party] elections, the [PTI] will not be eligible to secure an election symbol,” said the verdict.

During the hearing, PTI’s legal counsel, Barrister Gohar, revealed that the intra-party elections were conducted before amendments to the party constitution and were later reverted.

According to the Election Commission’s previous reserved decision on September 13, it was stated that PTI’s intra-party elections were not transparent and did not adhere to the party constitution.

Speaking to Geo News, PTI spokesperson Barrister Gohar Ali asserted that the PTI Chairman can contest elections and will do so as long as the ballot symbol remains with them.

He emphasized that the Chairman cannot be disqualified, and the Election Act, under Articles 62 and 63, does not bar Imran Khan from participating in elections.

Barrister Gohar further clarified that the Chairman was only penalized in one case, which was declared void by the High Court, and he remains eligible for all offices. He reiterated that the Chairman has the authority to lead the elections and will continue to do so.

In response to the Election Commission’s decision, the PTI spokesperson expressed disappointment, stating that the commission did not fulfill the demands of justice, and the decision seemed to be delayed for some specific purpose.

He announced that they would challenge the order at the appropriate forum and asserted that the ballot symbol will remain with them.