LAHORE: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced its intention to challenge the recent ruling of the Peshawar High Court (PHC), which reinstated the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) directive leading to the revocation of the party’s iconic electoral symbol, the ‘bat.’
In a media address, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan criticized the PHC’s decision, labeling it as a ” reflection of the ECP’s partiality.” He stressed that the party would take up the matter to the Supreme Court to contest the decision.
Expressing reservations about the “legitimacy of the election,” Khan questioned the ECP’s declaration that PTI’s intra-party polls were “unconstitutional,” leading to the withdrawal of the ‘bat’ symbol. He emphasized the symbolic significance of the ‘bat,’ stating that its absence could cast doubt on the international recognition of the election.
The PTI chief urged the apex court to hear their case, emphasizing that the decision to revoke the ‘bat’ symbol was made hastily. He stated, “We will approach the Supreme Court against it. So we urge the SC, that we will come to you tomorrow. Do us this kindness and listen to us.”
While clarifying that the PTI does not plan to boycott the election, Khan mentioned that if the Supreme Court does not reinstate the ‘bat’ symbol, PTI candidates would participate independently. He urged the court to designate an alternative symbol in case the ‘bat’ is not reinstated.
