Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is set to contest the upcoming elections on February 8, 2024, without its iconic electoral symbol, the ‘bat’, for the first time in 21 years. The Supreme Court (SC) made the decision to strip the party of its long-held symbol on Saturday due to non-compliance with intra-party polling regulations. As a result, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) allotted alternative symbols to PTI candidates for the 14 National Assembly seats of Lahore on Sunday.
In previous elections, including the general elections of 2002, 2013, and 2018, as well as all by-polls held between those periods, the PTI had contested under the ‘bat’ symbol. However, after the SC ruling, PTI candidates will compete with various election symbols such as ‘cricket stumps’, ‘alphabet K’, ‘dove’, ‘laptop’, ‘clock’, ‘lamb’, ‘radio’, ‘medals’, ‘racket’, and ‘duck’.
While the PTI has adapted to this unexpected change, rivals Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) remain steadfastly loyal to their traditional symbols – the ‘tiger’ and the ‘arrow’, respectively.
Dr. Yasmin Rashid, a prominent PTI candidate running against former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in NA-130, has been assigned the symbol ‘laptop’. Similarly, Abrarul Haq, a renowned singer turned PTI candidate in NA-117, has been allotted the ‘guitar’ symbol. Notably, one of the PTI candidates, Nadim Atlaf Sherwani, who is challenging Maryam Nawaz in NA-119, will campaign under the symbol of ‘cricket stumps’.
The allocation of alternative symbols to PTI candidates has created a diverse landscape for the upcoming elections, adding an element of curiosity and intrigue for voters. While the PTI remains determined to secure victory irrespective of the symbol change, only time will tell whether this alteration will impact their chances.
The election season is well underway, with candidates from all parties vigorously campaigning across Lahore. Amidst a sea of symbols, the PTI candidates will aim to convey their platform and engage with voters effectively.
The PTI’s loss of the ‘bat’ symbol has undoubtedly marked the end of an era for the party. However, the PTI leaders and candidates are undeterred, as they believe it is their policies and commitment to serving the people that truly matter. While the symbol may have changed, the party’s dedication to its core values and principles remains unwavering.
As the elections draw nearer, the political atmosphere in Lahore is buzzing with anticipation and excitement. Voters will have the opportunity to decide the future of their constituencies, evaluating candidates based on their individual appeal and the policies they propose to implement.
The absence of the iconic ‘bat’ after 21 years may be seen as a turning point for the PTI. Nevertheless, the party is determined to forge ahead and compete with unwavering enthusiasm under their new symbols. The true test lies in the hands of the voters, who will ultimately decide the fate of the PTI and its opponents in the upcoming elections.
