Election Commission registers 19 new political parties

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has registered 19 new political parties.

The controversial symbol of the lota (ewer) has been withdrawn from the electoral list while the cat has been removed due to its resemblance with the tiger which is the symbol of the PML-N.

These decisions were taken during the meeting of the ECP chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Fakhruddin G Ibrahim. According to sources, the ECP will decide if the PTI of JI will be given the symbol of the tarazo (scale) after meeting with both parties. The stance of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam regarding being awarded the symbol of the book will also be heard.

During the meeting the ECP also dismissed the petition of the Balochistan government to delay the PB-18 by-election.