In a recent development, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has raised serious concerns over the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) revocation of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s iconic electoral symbol, the bat.
HRCP is deeply concerned by the Supreme Court's decision to uphold the ECP's revocation of the PTI's choice of electoral symbol. In 1988, on Benazir Bhutto's petition, the honourable court itself ruled that any infringement on the fundamental rights of a political party was an…
— Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (@HRCP87) January 15, 2024
The HRCP, in a statement posted on its official platform on Monday, expressed deep apprehension regarding the court’s verdict, emphasizing the potential impact on the fundamental rights of a political party. The commission reminded the Supreme Court of its own precedent in 1988 when, on Benazir Bhutto’s petition, it ruled that any infringement on the fundamental rights of a political party amounted to a violation of the rights of the citizens it represented. This ruling particularly referenced Article 17, which protects freedom of association.
“Denying a political party its electoral symbol not only significantly hinders its ability to freely participate in elections, it also effectively disenfranchises its voters, who rely on electoral symbols to choose their representatives,” the HRCP stated.
The commission underscored the importance of safeguarding the democratic process and ensuring that political parties have the necessary tools, such as electoral symbols, to effectively communicate with voters. The decision to strip PTI of its iconic bat symbol could have broader implications for the democratic rights of citizens, as emphasized by the HRCP.
The HRCP’s expression of concern adds to the ongoing debate surrounding the Supreme Court’s decision and its potential implications for the democratic landscape in Pakistan. The PTI, led by former prime minister Imran Khan, now faces the challenge of navigating the political arena without its familiar electoral symbol.
