Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has filed a petition in the Peshawar High Court (PHC). He is asking the court to officially recognize Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) as a political party.
The petition names the federal government and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) as respondents. It also includes other relevant institutions involved in the matter.
Gandapur argues that the PTI remains an active and functional political party. He points out that PTI holds a majority in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly. Despite this, the ECP has excluded PTI from the official list of political parties.
The ECP’s decision is based on the party not having an electoral symbol. Without a symbol, the ECP says PTI does not meet the requirements to be listed as a political party. Gandapur disagrees with this stance.
In his petition, he challenges Section 94(4) of the Election Rules 2017. He claims that this section conflicts with the main Election Act of 2017. According to him, the rules should not overrule the law.
Gandapur believes the ECP has acted unfairly. He says PTI has followed all necessary procedures. He also highlights that PTI remains a strong political force in the country.
The petition asks the PHC to declare the ECP’s action illegal. It requests the court to direct the ECP to restore PTI’s status as a political party.
The case raises important questions about election laws and party rights. It also affects PTI’s ability to contest future elections with a proper symbol.
The Peshawar High Court is expected to take up the matter in the coming days. The outcome will impact both PTI and the upcoming political landscape.
This legal move by CM Gandapur demonstrates the PTI’s efforts to remain active in the political field despite ongoing challenges.
