Shafaqna Pakistan: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has withdrawn the election symbol “crane” of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) after rejecting the party’s intra-party elections, ruling that they were not conducted in a fair and transparent manner.
A five-member bench headed by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja issued the seven-page verdict on Monday. The case’s final hearing was held on July 8.
In its ruling, the ECP said TLP had failed to meet the requirements of Section 209 of the Elections Act, 2017, in accordance with the party’s constitution, which is a prerequisite for the allocation of an election symbol. The commission further held that the party had failed to conduct free and fair intra-party elections, rejecting the polls held on different dates and the Form-65 submitted on July 6, 2026.
The order says, “In view of rejection of intra party election (IPE) of TLP, the commission in exercise of powers conferred upon it under Section 215(5) of the Act ibid declares the political party (TLP) ineligible to obtain election symbol and the symbol of (Crane) is hereby withdrawn. Office is directed to take follow up action accordingly”.
In May 2026, Raja Amir Shehzad, claiming to be TLP’s focal person, applied for a 1-year extension to hold intra-party elections till May 2027. The Commission rejected it on 19th May 2026, stating he had no locus standi.
The case was then fixed for hearing with notice to TLP.During the hearing, TLP representatives said they had no contact with the Markazi Ameer and his whereabouts were unknown. Amir Shehzad, however, claimed the IPE was done under the Markazi Ameer’s directions.Later, Muhammad Bilal Ahmed submitted fresh IPE documents on 06.07.2026. The Commission found they violated Rule 158(1) of Election Rules, 2017, as elections were held in 11 days without 15-day prior notice to the Commission. All office bearers were declared elected unopposed. No proof of nomination papers or meeting attendance was provided, suggesting a fictitious exercise. The Commission also noted Form-65 was signed by the Chairman of the Election Authority instead of the party head or his authorized representative.
Source: The News
