ISLAMABAD – The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced its intention to challenge the Election Commission’s decision to remove the party’s election symbol, the ‘cricket bat’, ahead of the general elections scheduled for February 8.
PTI President Barrister Gohar Ali Khan made the announcement on Saturday, stating that the party will approach either the Peshawar High Court or the Supreme Court. The decision by the Election Commission came a day after the Peshawar High Court directed it to decide on PTI’s inter-party elections and election symbols by Friday.
Speaking to media outside Adiala Jail, Gohar revealed that PTI’s application to reclaim the ‘bat’ symbol will be filed on Tuesday during the first hour of office hours. He alleged that there is a conspiracy behind the Election Commission’s latest order, aimed at depriving his party of 227 reserved seats.
“Now we have 70 reserved seats in the National Assembly. The total number of reserved seats in Pakistan is 227. National party-recognized parties get seats in assemblies equal to their party’s strength,” Gohar explained.
He further stated that the order of the Election Commission of Pakistan appears to be contradictory and unsustainable. Gohar, who is also a lawyer, expressed confidence that PTI will receive the expected relief after going to court.
Gohar affirmed that PTI can challenge the ECP’s order in the Supreme Court under Article 184 of the Constitution. He reiterated that Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister and PTI founder, “was, is, and will be the chairman of PTI”, and that he was merely fulfilling the responsibilities entrusted to him by Khan.
Gohar concluded by warning that unfair elections could lead to chaos and confusion in the country, and vowed to continue carrying out his party responsibilities until Imran Khan is released from jail.
(With inputs from agencies)
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