PTI ‘bat’ symbol case: PHC withholds judgment on ECP appeal

PESHAWAR: On Tuesday, the Peshawar High Court (PHC) postponed rendering a decision on the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) appeal contesting its ruling by a single bench regarding the electoral symbol and intra-party elections of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

In response to the high court’s decision on December 26 to revoke the ECP’s order. And reinstate the party’s “bat” symbol pending a decision on the issue. The electoral body filed a review petition.

The PTI was prohibited from using the ‘bat’ symbol and its intra-party polls were deemed “illegal” by the ECP in its order. In compliance with its directive. The outgoing ruling party went to the PHC in an attempt to reclaim its party emblem prior to the general elections that are scheduled for February 8.

The ECP then asked the court to examine the PTI’s intra-party elections and its choice of election symbol in its petition.

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The petition heard by a single-member bench that included Justice Ijaz Khan of PHC.

The ECP’s attorney made his case and informed the court that the organization had submitted a review plea challenging the ruling of the high court during the hearing. In this regard, he continued, the PTI had also received a notice from the ECP.

“The internal party elections were improperly conducted by the PTI. The ECP attorney said, “There were concerns expressed regarding ECP’s authority and claims that the decision was unconstitutional.

The attorney claimed that without listening to the arguments made by the electoral body. The single bench suspended the ECP’s order and issued a stay order.

According to the attorney. The stay order issued by PHC is equivalent to a final decision on the case. And was not intended as a temporary remedy.

“The PTI also filed a petition in the Lahore High Court (LHC). When you can’t move second court after filing a plea in another,” said the ECP’s lawyer.

Justice Khan enquired as to whether any members of the petitioner’s party were in attendance.

The ECP attorney responded by saying that nobody was present. Then, he asked the court to set aside the order from December 26. And added that a bench should formed so that the case could be heard appropriately.

The advocate general declared that the federation has no intention of participating in the case as a party. “We have nothing to do with it, we should removed from this case,” he stated.

After hearing the arguments, the court reserved its decision.