The Peshawar High Court revoked the stay order, restoring the Election Commission of Pakistan’s decision to declare PTI’s intra-party polls null and void and strip it of its election symbol, the bat. The court reserved the verdict after hearing arguments from both sides. PTI had challenged the ECP verdict in Peshawar High Court.
PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Wednesday revoked the stay order and restored the ECP decision to declare PTI intra-party polls null and void and stripping it of its election symbol — bat, ARY News reported.
On December 26, the high court announced the verdict on PTI’s petition challenging the ECP’s verdict, which had stripped PTI of using the ‘bat’ symbol.
A single-member bench comprising Justice Ejaz Khan announced the reserved verdict on a review plea filed by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) against the January 26 single-member bench order.
Advocate Anwar and Barrister Gohar Khan represented the PTI in this case.
During the hearing today, Advocate Anwar said that the PHC announced its verdict on December 26, however, it has not yet been implemented.
“The political parties, in the court, said that they stand with the Election Commission,” said Anwar.
“Can the ECP approach the court against the high court’s ruling?” questioned PTI’s lawyer.
“Did your party file any contempt case in this matter?” asked Justice Khan. He further said that the PTI wants the ECP to conduct free and fair elections.
The court then reserved the verdict after hearing arguments from both sides.
ECP verdict
On December 2, the ECP had nullified Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s intra-party elections, for the third time since last year, declaring the PTI ineligible for obtaining its traditional electoral symbol of ‘bat’.
In its verdict, the ECP said, “So keeping in view the clear mandate of Elections Act 2017 – it is held that PTI has not complied with our directions rendered therein order dated 23rd November, 2023 and failed to hold intra-party election in accordance with PTI prevailing Constitution 2019 and Elections Act 2017, and Election Rules, 2017. Therefore, the certificate dated 4th December, 2023 and Form-65 filed by the alleged chairman, is hereby regretted and rejected accordingly”.
PTI had challenged the ECP verdict in Peshawar High Court.
PTI’s intraparty elections, in which Barrister Gohar Khan was elected as chairman of the party, were held on December 2.
The polls had drawn a sharp criticism as estranged PTI founding member Akbar S. Babar announced that he would challenge the entire process. He had alleged that the PTI had carried out a selection process aimed at throwing out party workers to give the reins to a few lawyers.
In recent news, the Peshawar High Court (PHC) has made a critical decision to restore the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) order, thereby preventing the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party from using the ‘bat’ election symbol. This decision marks a significant chapter in upholding the sanctity of electoral processes in Pakistan. The PHC’s action demonstrates a commitment to ensuring free and fair elections in the upcoming 2024 elections. It reinforces the imperative of maintaining the integrity of the electoral system, thereby bolstering the trust of the public in the democratic process. Upholding the ECP’s directive exemplifies a dedication to fostering transparency and democratic values, vital components of a functioning democracy. As the 2024 elections draw closer, this decision serves as a poignant reminder that the principles of fairness and equity must underpin the electoral landscape, fostering an environment conducive to effective democratic governance. It is a laudable step in ensuring that the electoral process remains impervious to external influences and reflects the will of the people. With this restoration, the stage is set for a resolute stance in safeguarding the principles of democracy, ushering in a new era of electoral integrity and civic participation.
Source: ARY NEWS
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The Peshawar High Court revoked the stay order and reinstated the ECP’s decision regarding PTI’s intra-party polls and election symbol. The court reserved the verdict after hearing arguments from both sides. The ECP had nullified PTI’s intra-party elections, making it ineligible for the ‘bat’ symbol. PTI challenged this verdict, and its polls drew criticism. The party’s elections had elected Barrister Gohar Khan as chairman, but estranged PTI founding member Akbar S. Babar announced a challenge, alleging a selection process favoring a few lawyers.
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