Election Commission of Pakistan Withholds Electoral Symbol of Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party

Islamabad: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has withheld the electoral symbol of the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) for failing to conduct intra-party elections and submit annual financial statements.

According to reports, a five-member bench headed by the Chief Election Commissioner heard the case. However, no representative of the IPP appeared before the commission during the proceedings.

During the hearing, Director General Political Finance, Masood Sherwani, briefed the commission that the party was not complying with its constitution and the Elections Act. He stated that under the party constitution, intra-party elections must be held every four years. The IPP’s intra-party elections were due in January 2026 but were not conducted.

He further informed the commission that the party had also failed to submit details of its annual funds and expenditures. As a result, the electoral symbol of the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party has been withheld. He also recommended that the party be delisted.

At this point, the Chief Election Commissioner inquired whether a notice had been issued to the party. The DG Political Finance confirmed that a notice had already been served.

Subsequently, the Election Commission adjourned the hearing of the case until March 26.