The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) Wednesday initiated an inquiry into the changes made to electoral symbols in the constituencies of Bahawalpur and Rahim Yar Khan, reported the 24NewsHD TV channel.
According to Election Commission sources, the ECP issued notices to the Returning Officers (ROs) responsible for overseeing NA-168, NA-169, PP-245, PP-253, and PP-254 in Bahawalpur and Rahim Yar Khan constituencies and directed them to provide insights into the circumstances necessitating the change of electoral symbols.
The ECP has also expressly requested a detailed report on the proceedings that unfolded in the Lahore High Court Bahawalpur Bench on January 16 and 17, specifically concerning the alterations in electoral symbols.
In line with the Election Commission's directives, ROs are not only required to submit reports on the specific instances of alterations but also present an overview of the prevailing circumstances leading to such changes.
The sources added that the ECP expressed concern over putting pressure on the election staff in the LHC Bahawalpur bench.
A two-day hearing was held in the Lahore High Court Bahawalpur bench regarding the allotment of election symbols. In which the Regional Election Commissioner, District Election Commissioner Bahawalpur, and Returning Officers appeared before the court.
During the proceedings, the election staff and election commission officials were allegedly compelled to sit in the court.
The police were instructed to prevent them from leaving the court.
“The move was a calculated attempt to exert pressure on ROs and other officials involved in the electoral process, the ECP alleged.
In a surprising turn of events, the court, without a written order, directed the election staff to change the electoral symbols of the petitioners listed on Form 33.
This forceful alteration of candidates' symbols has introduced significant complications in the functioning of the Election Commission and Returning Officers, the ECP held.