In the lead-up to Pakistan's crucial general elections on February 8, Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) faces challenges as it was not included in the national poll body's list of symbols allotted to parties. The absence of PTI's "bat" symbol on the list adds to the party's struggles, including the rejection of several candidates and legal challenges to its existence in the political arena.
As political parties and representatives seek approval for nomination papers from the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), the PTI finds itself dealing with legal issues and scrutiny of its party symbol. The ECP sent details of election symbols for at least 145 political parties to returning officers, but PTI's symbol was notably missing.
The ECP emphasized in a letter to returning officers that election symbols should be allotted to candidates nominated by political parties, not independent candidates. The absence of PTI's symbol raises questions about its candidates' ability to contest under the party's banner.
Appellate tribunals, headed by high court judges, are expected to complete the process of hearing appeals against the acceptance or rejection of nomination papers. The final list of candidates, including those approved or rejected through the appeal process, is scheduled to be released on January 12.
PTI leaders argue that the party is deliberately being targeted by the government and the establishment. They express concerns about transparency and claim that the process is paving the way for the political comeback of their rival, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. The developments add complexity and uncertainty to the electoral landscape ahead of the crucial polls.
(With Agency Inputs)
