The Supreme Court of Pakistan nullified the Peshawar High Court’s decision to restore the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) iconic bat symbol, delivering a major blow to the party’s election plans.
Following the apex court’s verdict, PTI announced on Saturday that its candidates would now contest elections independently, signaling a shift in strategy.
Addressing reporters after the court’s decision, the now-ex-chairman of PTI, Gohar Ali Khan, along with Ali Zafar, expressed disappointment with the ruling.
Gohar stated that all PTI candidates would now enter the electoral arena as independents, and the party would soon release a list of candidates along with their respective election symbols.
The party’s alternative plan to issue tickets under the Tehreek-e-Insaf Nazriati’s (PTI-N) symbol faced a setback as the chairman of PTI-N, Akhtar Iqbal Dar, withdrew from the arrangement.
Gohar emphasized that the people would now decide whom they deemed fit to represent them, and all PTI candidates would actively participate in the upcoming elections on February 8 as independent contenders.
Gohar announced that the party would challenge the verdict, alleging that it was a step towards disenfranchising the 10 crore voters who support PTI.
While expressing confidence in the party’s strength, Gohar added, “Whether we have the bat or not, the people will still vote for us.”
Barrister Ali Zafar emphasized that the PTI, undeterred, would fully participate in the elections.
He stated that the party’s next step was to prepare for the upcoming polls, and after February 8, PTI aimed to form a government by defeating opponents despite the hurdles.
Zafar revealed that the party had anticipated the court’s decision, ensuring that their preparations were complete. “We will compete on February 8 with all-out force,” he asserted, underscoring PTI’s determination to navigate the electoral challenges and emerge victorious.
