In the run-up to the upcoming general elections, a diverse array of political parties in Pakistan is gearing up with distinctive symbols assigned by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). While some prominent parties stick to familiar symbols, others have opted for unconventional and quirky representations.
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) proudly embraces the ‘tiger,’ maintaining its historical association, while the Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) is set to contest under the traditional ‘arrow’ (teer) symbol. Notably, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) finds itself symbol-less, leading its candidates to participate as independents, except for the breakaway faction, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (Nazriati), which adopts the ‘batsman’ symbol.
Jehangir Tareen’s Istekham-e-Pakistan Tehreek introduces the ‘eagle’ symbol, the Awami National Party retains its ‘lantern,’ and the Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam Pakistan sticks with the ‘book.’ The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan flies its ‘kite,’ while the Afaq Ahmed-led Mohajir Qaumi Movement Pakistan opts for the ‘candle.’ The ‘scale of justice’ returns with the Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan.
Interestingly, some lesser-known parties secure distinctive symbols, adding a touch of novelty to the electoral landscape. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Such selects the ‘crocodile,’ Move on Pakistan embraces the ‘ostrich,’ and the Barabri Party Pakistan campaigns with the ‘pen,’ a departure from the conventional power-related symbols.
In a pragmatic move, the Tehreek-e Ahl-e-Sunnat Pakistan offers voters a ‘generator,’ while other parties adopt weapon-related symbols, including the Pakistan Muslim League (KQK) with the ‘gun’ and the Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Pakistan with the ‘revolver.’
The Pakistan Aman Tehreek surprises by choosing the ‘missile’ over the dove, and the Pakistan Awami Raj signals a commitment to clean up the country’s mess with the ‘broom’ symbol.
Numerous smaller parties secure distinctive symbols such as the Pak League (‘apple’), Pasban Democratic Party (‘balloons’), Tehreek-e-Azmat-e-Pakistan (‘basket’), and the first Democratic Front (‘bell’). The list goes on, featuring symbols like ‘bicycle,’ ‘binoculars,’ ‘boat,’ ‘bow,’ ‘bridge,’ ‘bucket,’ ‘bullock cart,’ ‘bunch of grapes,’ ‘bus,’ ‘butterfly,’ ‘camel,’ ‘cannon,’ ‘cap,’ ‘car,’ ‘chair,’ ‘chiragh’ (lamp), and many more.
This diverse array of symbols not only adds color to the electoral process but also reflects the varied identities and aspirations of the political entities vying for the electorate’s attention in the upcoming elections.
