TAXILA: The returning officers (RO) have allotted election symbols to PTI candidates which according to them are not only offensive but have also made them a laughing stock of voters and acquaintances.

After the Supreme Court decision stripping PTI of Bat, ROs in all two national and five provincial assembly constituencies’ have allotted different election symbols to the party candidates.

The PTI candidates for the upcoming general elections have expressed reservations over what they call allotment of ‘derogatory’ symbols to them.

In Attock, for National Assembly constituency NA-49, Attock-I, as many as 15 candidates among them eight independents were allotted different election symbols. The PTI candidate former member national assembly retired Major Tahir Sadiq, who is contesting as independent candidate was allotted election symbol of sheep and his wife who is contesting election as covering candidate was allotted election symbol of peacock.

For National assembly constituency NA-50, Attock-II, as many as 20 candidates among them 11 independents were allotted different election symbols. The PTI candidate, daughter former member national assembly retired Major Tahir Sadiq, was allotted election symbol of water turbine and her sister Inbisaat Tahir who is contesting election as covering candidate was allotted garland.

For provincial assembly constituency PP-1, Attock-I the PTI candidate Qazi Ahmed Akbar was allotted plug.

For provincial assembly constituency PP-3, Attock-III, as many as 19 candidates among them 12 independents were allotted different election symbols. The PTI candidate Zain Ellahi who is contesting as an independent candidate was allotted election symbol of donkey cart.

For provincial assembly constituency PP-4, Attock-IV, as many as 14 candidates among them nine are contesting as independent were allotted different election symbols. The PTI candidate Sardar Ahsan Ali Khan was allotted clock.

For provincial assembly constituency PP-5, Attock-V, as many as 14 candidates among them 8 independents were allotted different election symbols. The PTI candidate Jamshaid Altaf was allotted tawwa.

Published in Dawn, January 18th, 2024