PSP barred from using national flag as party symbol

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) disallowed the Pak SarZameen Party (PSP) from using the Pakistani flag as the party’s flag, at a hearing held on Thursday.

The commission responsible for looking over the election process observed that no political party could be allowed to use the national flag as its party’s symbol.

PSP general secretary Waseem Aftab confirmed that although no short order was issued yet by the ECP, but the party has been disallowed from using the national flag.

The provincial election commission said that it was yet to receive a written order from Islamabad concerning the decision.

Aftab however stated it is not the ECP’s domain to take such decisions and that it would approach superior courts against the decision but consulting their legal experts. Citing Article 19 of the constitution, Aftab said every person had the freedom to express opinions and nobody can stop the party from doing so.

Party’s senior official Raza Haroon said his party did not wish to further divide an already divided nation where several different flags can be found in just one locality. He said the PSP wanted to unite the people and was, therefore, using the national flag as its symbol.

A statement issued by the PSP maintained that the party did not wish to use the national flag for political gains, and that carrying a national flag symbolised ‘nationalism’ all over the world.

PSP believes that politics without being loyal to one’s country is impossible and that the party’s message is of patriotism, and stability, unity and integrity of the country is its motto; every loyal Pakistani has the right to use the national flag, the statement further read.