ISLAMABAD: Two weeks after delisting the All Pakistan Muslim League (APML), the party founded by late military dictator Pervez Musharraf, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Thursday allotted the symbol of ‘eagle’ to the newly-formed Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party (IPP).

The decision was made by a three-member bench of the ECP, headed by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja and ECP members Nisar Ahmed Durrani and retired Justice Ikramullah Khan.

IPP President and a dissident of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Abdul Aleem Khan had filed an application before the ECP on July 17 for the allocation of symbol of ‘eagle’ for the forthcoming general elections in the country.

“Upon receipt of the application, the matter was fixed for hearing with notices to the applicant and concerned confidential wing for 23 -10-2023. Mr Meesum Zaidi, advocate, appeared and submitted his power of attorney on behalf of Abdul Aleem Khan.

He argued that symbol ‘eagle’ may be allotted to the applicant party as they have moved three applications, but previously their party was under process of enlistment and symbol ‘eagle’ was also under dispute,“ reads the ECP order.

However, it says, the symbol is now open for allocation to political parties after the commission’s order of Oct 13 delisting the APML.

According to the ECP, four political parties had applied for the symbol ‘eagle’. These parties were the Pakistan Muslim Party, All Pakistan Mutahida League, Pakistan Falahi Tehreek and the IPP.

Published in Dawn, October 27th, 2023