The Peshawar High Court has instructed the Election Commission to deliver a verdict on the PTI intra-party election and election symbol case by tomorrow. This decision followed a hearing by a 2-member bench, with the verdict now reserved.
During the proceedings, Justice Shakeel Ahmed questioned PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar about not filing the case in the Islamabad High Court. Barrister Gohar explained their preference for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa due to safety concerns in Punjab, citing leader arrests there as a ground reality.
Speaking to the media in Peshawar, Barrister Gohar emphasized the importance of PTI’s significant popularity (70% nationwide) and expressed concern that excluding them from the elections might raise doubts about the fairness of the process. He highlighted the judiciary’s responsibility in safeguarding rights.
In response, Justice SM Atiq Shah reminded Barrister Gohar of his position as chairman, suggesting caution in making such statements. Barrister Gohar defended his stance, stating that since the intra-party elections occurred in Peshawar, it was their logical venue. He cited the federation’s allowance for applications in this jurisdiction, noting the Election Commission’s presence across the country.
