ECP Assures PTI: Addressing PTI Concerns for a Level Playing Field in Upcoming Elections

On Friday, Shoaib Shaheen, the lawyer representing PTI, conveyed that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) assured the party of addressing PTI concerns about an uneven playing field leading up to the general election scheduled for February 8.

Following directives from the Supreme Court (SC), a PTI delegation engaged with the ECP in Islamabad, where the SC had instructed the ECP to tackle PTI’s reservations regarding the lack of a level playing field. Simultaneously, the PTI was directed to submit its complaint to the electoral watchdog, with the Attorney General of Pakistan, Mansoor Usman Awan, instructed to play a role in the matter.

After the meeting, Shoaib Shaheen informed the media that the ECP officials had promised to address the party’s grievances. He emphasized that the ECP assured action against any personnel or police officers attempting to hinder the electoral process illegally.

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Furthermore, Shaheen mentioned that the ECP had committed to resolving all raised complaints and expressed hope for the commission’s role in ensuring free and fair elections. He highlighted that federal and provincial authorities were obligated to assist the ECP in conducting fair elections, and the ECP had established complaint cells and empowered provincial offices for swift action on any issues.

In addition, discussion took place regarding the ‘bat’ electoral symbol, and Shaheen expressed optimism that a decision would be reached on intra-party elections by midnight.

Separately, the ECP issued instructions to various authorities regarding candidates’ nomination papers, acknowledging complaints about difficulties faced by candidates in receiving and submitting papers.

The Supreme Court, consisting of Justices Sardar Tariq Masood, Athar Minallah, and Syed Mansoor Ali, heard PTI’s plea earlier in the day, recognizing the party’s concerns about an uneven playing field, especially citing events at Usman Dar’s residence reported in newspapers.

The written order from the SC emphasized the crucial role of the ECP in ensuring fair elections and urged the ECP to address PTI’s grievances urgently for a smooth, open, transparent, free, and fair electoral process. The petition was subsequently disposed of.