ISLAMABAD: Former jailed prime minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf party has agreed to conduct intra-party elections within the 20-day time frame set by the election commission to retain the ‘bat’ as its electoral symbol.

The decision by the core committee of the PTI comes days after the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) ruled that its intra-party polls were not transparent, ordering the party to hold new elections if it wishes to retain its election symbol. The party was asked by the ECP to hold fresh elections within 20 days in a reserved verdict announced on November 23.

General elections are scheduled to be held in Pakistan on February 8.

In the verdict, the ECP stated that the PTI failed to hold free and fair intra-party elections, adding that the polls were objectionable and controversial. “PTI’s intra-party elections cannot be accepted,” stated the verdict, directing it to hold polls and submit the record within seven days.

The party’s Central Media Department said its members discussed crucial issues including the country’s current political climate, the party’s organisational activities, the ongoing treatment of PTI leaders and workers, and the intra-party polls during the core committee meeting.

The meeting also reiterated the demand for foolproof security arrangements during former cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan’s court appearance.