In a strategic move to counter potential setbacks in the upcoming elections, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has formulated a Plan B, directing its candidates to submit nominations under the symbol of ‘batsman.’
Faced with the looming threat of losing its iconic ‘bat’ symbol, PTI is now leveraging the ‘batsman’ symbol through its affiliated group, PTI-Nazriati.
Sources reveal that Akhtar Iqbal Dar, the chairman of PTI-Nazriati, has promptly issued tickets to PTI candidates under the ‘batsman’ symbol.
The party has also instructed candidates to file complaints with election commissions at the district, provincial, and central levels if the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) refuses to accept their nominations. Written complaints to district and provincial election commissioners are also part of the contingency plan.
PTI officials advocating for Plan B assert that the ‘bat’ and ‘batsman’ symbols share similarities, facilitating voter identification with PTI. According to the election schedule, candidates are obligated to submit party tickets by January 13.
Interestingly, in June 2022, PTI initially opposed the allocation of the “batsman” symbol to its splinter group. The party urged the ECP not to assign the symbol to PTI-Nazriati, citing potential voter confusion. However, the ECP did not accede to PTI’s request.
The genesis of PTI-Nazriati traces back to January 2012 when Dar, citing differences with PTI founder Imran Khan, asserted that PTI had transformed into a party of turncoats. This recent tactical maneuver showcases PTI’s adaptability in the dynamic political landscape as it navigates the intricate web of electoral symbols and party dynamics.
