Fahmida Mirza, the leader of the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA), has sought judicial intervention by filing a petition in the Sindh High Court regarding the allocation of an election symbol for the upcoming polls. Mirza, who is associated with the GDA, emphasized that her symbol is a star, and she took this stance in response to the Election Commission’s position that the deadline for symbol allocation has passed. The Election Commission contended that the GDA is being targeted for political retribution.
Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court initiated the hearing on Fahmida Mirza’s petition. During the proceedings, the Chief Justice acknowledged the challenges faced by numerous candidates in obtaining their desired election symbols. He stated, “If many candidates couldn’t get their symbols, what can we do? We have heard the election petition, and we have also approved it. The jurisdiction of the symbol-related request lies within the authority of the Hyderabad Circuit Bench.”
Fahmida Mirza’s plea highlights the broader issue of election symbol allocation, a critical aspect of the electoral process. The Election Commission’s position, suggesting a time lapse for symbol allocation, raises questions about the fairness and transparency of the process. Moreover, Mirza’s claim of political victimization adds a layer of complexity to the matter, as it underscores concerns about the impartiality of electoral bodies.
The hearing in the Sindh High Court signifies a legal battle to ensure that candidates, irrespective of their political affiliations, have equal opportunities and fair treatment in the electoral arena. The court’s decision on Fahmida Mirza’s petition will likely set a precedent for how election symbol disputes are addressed, contributing to the larger discourse on electoral integrity and political fairness in Pakistan.
