The leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Nazriati (PTI-N), Akhtar Iqbal Dar, has leveled serious accusations against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), alleging the submission of fake tickets by PTI candidates under the banner of PTI-N.
Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, Dar expressed bewilderment at the emergence of PTI candidates allegedly utilizing PTI-N tickets.
He adamantly declared, “I do not know from where the PTI candidates got our tickets. PTI submitted our fake tickets; I issued tickets to PTI Nazriati candidates.”
Accusing PTI of forgery, Dar underscored the gravity of the situation, emphasizing that candidates from one political party cannot exploit the platform of another. He urged the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and take appropriate action against instances of electoral forgery.
Dar asserted the distinct identity of PTI-N, stating, “PTI-N has its own manifesto, its own constitution; our slogan is the death penalty for corruption.” He called for transparency in the electoral process and adherence to ethical standards.
Responding to rumors circulating since midnight, Dar revealed that the distinguishing mark on PTI-N tickets is the unmistakable ‘batsman’ symbol. He claimed that Returning Officers (ROs) had inquired about their tickets, and PTI-N clarified that their tickets bear the clear mark of the regular ‘batsman,’ a symbol consistent with their 2018 election tickets.
Journalist Murtaza Ali Shah took to X (former Twitter) and said, “ECP has stopped the retuning officers not to allow the candidates to get the Batman symbol while deceiving to be the members of an other party – after PTI decides to get Batman symbol of PTI-N”
Displaying a PTI-N ticket to the media, Dar said, “This is our ticket. PTI has submitted our fake tickets. The ECP has issued a clear and blunt order that no candidate of any party can use the ticket of any other party.”
Dar explained the genesis of PTI-N, stating, “In 2007, I felt the need to discourage rigging, hooliganism, money politics, electorate politics, and promote transparency. That’s why PTI-N was formed, and I must be a part of PTI-N.”
PTI-Nazriati was formed by Akhtar Iqbal Dar in 2012 after differences with PTI founder Imran Khan. Like many past members, he alleged that the party established in the name of justice had become a party of turncoats with the inclusion of politicians from other parties.
PTI-N was registered with the country’s top electoral authority in 2016 after accepting an application from Dar. At that time, the Khan-led party had filed an application in the Lahore High Court against the decision which was rejected.
The PTI-N fielded 35 candidates in the 2018 elections. Although, they did not win any seats they secured over 21,000 votes from Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The party has a base in Punjab.
It’s not just the symbol and name; both parties also have the same flags.
In June 2022, PTI had urged the ECP not to grant the symbol to PTI-Nazriati, citing potential confusion among voters. However, the ECP did not entertain PTI’s request.
Earlier today, PTI initiated a “plan B” by aligning with its splinter group, PTI-Nazriati, to secure the “batsman” symbol for its candidates, as the fate of its long-held “bat” symbol hangs in the balance pending a Supreme Court hearing.
Amidst the Supreme Court’s deliberations on the Election Commission of Pakistan’s petition challenging the restoration of PTI’s “bat” symbol by the Peshawar High Court, PTI instructed its candidates to submit PTI-Nazriati tickets to Returning Officers. The move comes as a backup plan in case the iconic “bat” symbol is denied.
The official PTI account posted on X, stating, “Whoever has PTI-Nazriati tickets should immediately submit them and take any kind of hindrance to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and high courts.”
The move to secure an alternative symbol gained traction following Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa’s remarks during a recent hearing.
While the Supreme Court’s decision is pending, tensions rise within the political landscape. PTI leader Shoaib Shaheen submitted a plea to the ECP, requesting acceptance of PTI Nazriati tickets for candidates. However, the ECP issued a statement warning against attempts to deceive the commission through such requests.
The evolving situation poses challenges for PTI-Nazriati candidates who have already received tickets in constituencies where PTI is fielding its candidates. The uncertainty surrounding the electoral symbol deadline adds further complexity to the political landscape, with the Supreme Court expected to announce its decision soon.
