The Supreme Court of Pakistan has upheld the decision of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to revoke the ‘bat’ symbol of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the party led by former cricket star Imran Khan. The court rejected the appeal of PTI, which had challenged the ECP’s order on the grounds that it violated its constitutional rights and the principles of free and fair elections.
The ‘bat’ symbol has been associated with PTI since its inception in 1996, when Imran Khan entered politics after leading Pakistan to victory in the 1992 Cricket World Cup. The symbol represents the party’s vision of change, youth empowerment, and anti-corruption. It also reflects Imran Khan’s popularity and charisma among the masses, especially the young and urban voters.
The ECP had stripped PTI of its ‘bat’ symbol on December 22, 2023, after finding that the party had failed to conduct its internal elections in accordance with its own constitution and the election laws. The ECP had also questioned the transparency and legitimacy of the party’s intra-party polls, which were held through an online voting system in June 2023.
PTI had approached the Peshawar High Court (PHC) against the ECP’s order, and obtained a temporary relief on December 26, 2023, when a single-member bench restored the ‘bat’ symbol and referred the case to a larger bench for a hearing on January 9, 2024. However, on January 3, 2024, the PHC reversed its earlier order and reinstated the ECP’s decision, following a review petition filed by the ECP.
PTI then moved the Supreme Court against the PHC’s verdict, hoping to secure its ‘bat’ symbol before the general elections scheduled for February 8, 2024. However, the apex court dismissed the PTI’s appeal on January 13, 2024, after hearing the arguments of both sides. The court observed that the ECP had the authority and the responsibility to ensure that the political parties comply with the legal requirements and the code of conduct for the elections.
The loss of the ‘bat’ symbol is a major setback for PTI, which is aiming to form the next government in Pakistan. The party will now have to choose a new symbol from the list of available symbols provided by the ECP, and communicate it to its candidates and supporters across the country. The party will also have to face the challenge of competing with other parties that have well-established symbols and slogans, such as the ‘lion’ of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the ‘arrow’ of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).
The PTI leadership has expressed its disappointment and resentment over the court’s verdict, and accused the ECP of being biased and influenced by the ruling party. The party has also vowed to continue its struggle for justice and democracy, and appealed to its workers and voters to remain united and determined.