PHC restores bat as PTI's electoral symbol

PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Tuesday restored Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's electoral symbol 'bat' after suspending the Election Commission of Pakistan's (ECP).

PHC Justice Kamran Hayat issued the ruling, suspending the ECP’s December 22 verdict on petitions filed against the intra-party polls of PTI.

Justice Hayat remarked that ECP was not authorised to issue verdict on the intra-party elections. Issuing notices to the parties, he adjourned the hearing till January 9.

PTI moved the Peshawar High Court after ECP revoked 'bat' as PTI's electoral symbol.

The petition stated that the ECP did not have the authority to decide the procedure for intra-party elections. The complainant who challenged the intra-party polls was not a party member, it added.

The PTI prayed to the court to hold and declare that the impugned order is without jurisdiction, without lawful authority and illegal and as a consequence, thereof, set it aside forthwith.

The PTI also pleaded to hold and declare the proceedings by ECP to question the validity of the IPEs on the basis of any objections filed by any persons were coram non judice, illegal and without lawful authority.

Earlier, talking to media person outside Peshawar High Court, PTI leader Babar Awan said his party's electoral symbol was bat which would remain with it in future too. He said PTI founder had been its chairman in past and would enjoy the same position in future too.