ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan has withdrawn the “crane” election symbol from the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), making it the second major political party after the PTI to lose its poll symbol over an alleged failure to hold just and fair intra-party elections.

A five-member bench headed by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja ruled that the TLP failed to fulfill Section 209 of the Elections Act, 2017.

“In view of rejection of intra-party election of TLP, the Commission ... declares the political party ineligible to obtain election symbol and the symbol of crane is hereby withdrawn,” the order read.

The ECP noted that the TLP’s last intra-party elections expired Dec 28, 2025.

Following months of delays and rejected extension requests, the party submitted new election documents on July 6, 2026. The commission dismissed these as an “imaginary/fictitious exercise” completed in 11 days without proper intimation.

During hearings, TLP representatives admitted having no contact with their leader, contradicting claims he supervised the elections.

Published in Dawn, July 21st, 2026