The Lahore High Court has delivered a reserved verdict on the petition of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Salman Akram Raja challenging his classification as an independent candidate in the upcoming elections.
The court directed the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to decide the complaint in accordance with the law. During the proceedings, the court sought information on ballot paper printing progress, with approximately 80 percent already printed.
The discussion delved into the ballot paper design, emphasizing that political party names are not historically or presently included.
The ECP’s representative referenced Form 33, distinguishing between independent candidates and party-affiliated ones.
The petitioner argued that party affiliation and election symbol acquisition are distinct, urging inclusion of the party name alongside the candidate’s in Form 33.
Concerns were raised about the absence of an election symbol if PTI’s name is included.
The petitioner stressed the desire to participate as a party representative, not an independent candidate. The court is now set to deliberate on this nuanced matter.
