ECP Suspends APML's registration, election symbol

Islamabad: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday took action by suspending the registration of the All Pakistan Muslim League (APML), the political party established by former army chief Pervez Musharraf, due to a case involving intra-party elections and the allocation of election symbols.

A three-member bench led by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja issued a 14-page written verdict on the matter. As a result of this decision, the APML has been removed from the list of registered political parties, and the election symbol 'Shaheen' (Eagle) has been withdrawn from the party.

This verdict, which was delivered today, also prohibits the APML from participating in any future elections. The commission has denied the party's request for an election symbol, citing the absence of elected office-bearers and the non-submission of financial statements for the last four years. The APML failed to meet the requirements for party registration.

Founded by former military ruler Pervez Musharraf in 2010, the APML now faces a suspension of its political activities.

It is worth mentioning that the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) led by Jahangir Tareen has approached the Election Commission of Pakistan for party registration and has requested the 'Eagle [Shaheen]' election symbol. The IPP submitted its application for party registration to the ECP, along with the party's manifesto, the names of office-bearers, and the signature of IPP President Abdul Aleem Khan.