Politics

PTI could be declared ineligible for election symbol, warns ECP

Published

2 years ago

Farwa

Intra-party elections were due in June 2021 under party’s constitution: ECP.
Says PTI intimated/reminded to conduct intra-party polls within timeframe.
PTI amended constitution termed insufficient by electoral body.

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has warned the former ruling party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), that it could be declared ineligible to obtain election symbol over its failure to hold intra-party elections.

In a notice issued on Wednesday, the top electoral body summoned PTI Chairman Imran Khan to appear before it on August 4 (Friday) at 10am “failing which the Commission under Section 215 (5) of the Elections Act, 2017, may declare your political party ineligible to obtain election symbol for future election(s)”.

Referring to its earlier notices, the ECP said the PTI’s intra-party elections were due on June 13 in 2021 under the party’s constitution.

It said the PTI was intimated/reminded to conduct intra-party elections within the timeframe provided under sections 208, 209 and 215 of the ‘Elections Act,2017 but the party failed to “provide the requisite certificate to this effect”.

The polls organising authority also said it issued final notice to the PTI in May last year for ensuring the conduct of intra-party elections “on or before 13.06.2022 (extended date), with the observation that no further extension shall be allowed”.

Subsequently, the notice PTI submitted a copy of the amended party’s constitution which was deemed “insufficient” by the electoral body.

The ECP referred to Section 209(1) of the Election Act saying every registered political party is bound to provide the ECP with a certificate regarding the conduct of the intra-party elections as provided by law.

“[…] if any political party fails to comply with the provisions of the said section 209, this Commission is empowered to declare the said political party ineligible to obtain an election symbol,” the notice added.

Last month, the ECP instructed political parties to submit their applications for the allotment of elections symbols ahead of general polls in the country scheduled for later this year.

The ECP had directed the parties to attach a list of symbols they prioritise along with their applications, adding that the signature of the party leader is a must.

“Every application must include the address of the head office of the political party,” the election commission said.

It also added that the body would check the eligibility of the parties after receiving the applications.

In 2018, the PTI was allotted a ‘bat’ symbol to contest the general elections.

Latest News

PTI suggests resuming talks with government over judicial commission issue.

Published

1 week ago

Farwa

Barrister Gohar, Chairman of the PTI, has claimed that the party’s founder has suspended negotiations, emphasizing that the government should declare the commission within seven days.

He emphasized the PTI’s openness to rethink if the government makes headway and establishes the commission.

Barrister Gohar told the reporters, “Seven days were enough to announce the commission.” We are ready to reconsider, but the government must first announce the commission.”

He stated that the PTI approached the negotiations with an open mind. “The PTI founder has halted the negotiations. “The government had eight laws on their agenda, while we only had two demands,” he stated.

The PTI chairman went on to say that even after seven days, no progress had been made in forming the commission. He encouraged the government to reconsider the decision and proceed with the announcement.

Latest News

PTI will declare February 8 to be “Black Day,” sparking protests across the country.

Published

2 weeks ago

Farwa

According to reports, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) intends to hold rallies nationwide on Wednesday in support of its decision to declare February 8, the one-year anniversary of the general elections, a black day.

According to media sources, PTI founder Imran Khan has instructed all party lawmakers—including MPAs and MNAs—to plan and take part in demonstrations in their local communities on February 8 in order to draw attention to their complaints and issues.

In a recent meeting with legal advisors on Wednesday, Imran Khan expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the party’s Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram. The meeting emphasized the importance of party discipline and gave stern directives to abstain from any criticism of Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the head of the JUI-F.

It has also been suggested that the PTI engage opposition leaders in the demonstrations in order to win their support.

Party insiders revealed that the founder has urged leaders to ensure effective coordination and mobilised efforts in preparation for February 8.

Latest News

In 13 cases involving the D-Chowk demonstration, Bushra Bibi granted temporary release until February 7.

Published

2 weeks ago

Farwa

Bushra Bibi, the wife of the PTI chairman, was granted temporary release by the Islamabad Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in 13 counts pertaining to the November 26 D-Chowk protest. Judge Tahir Abbas Supra ordered the police to produce all pertinent documentation by February 7 and granted bail against surety bonds of Rs. 5,000 apiece.

Additionally, Bushra Bibi was given temporary release until February 7 in the Rangers’ accident case. During the hearing, Judge Tahir Abbas Supra expressed disappointment over the behavior of the defense counsel on two occasions. Addressing the lawyers, he remarked, “You demand VIP protocol everywhere, but this is not possible. Prepare your files properly before coming to court.”

Three cases at the Secretariat Police Station, two each at the Margalla, Karachi Company, and Ramna Police Stations, and one each at the Tarnol, Kohsar, Aabpara, and Khanna Police Stations are among the numerous charges against Bushra Bibi.

In addition, the judge chastised the defense team for requesting that Bushra Bibi sign and thumbprint blank documents. He said, “The accused must sign and thumbprint the court orders, not blank sheets.”

Bushra Bibi also went to the Islamabad High Court to have her biometrics verified in relation to her appeal to be exonerated in the Toshakhana-II case. On Monday, Bushra Bibi and the PTI chairman submitted their acquittal petitions. After finishing the biometric procedure, she departed right away.