Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Omar Ayub Khan, has formally written to National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, urging the immediate formation of a parliamentary committee for the appointment of the chief election commissioner (CEC) and two other members of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
In his letter, Ayub highlighted the prolonged delay in filling these key constitutional positions, stressing that the tenure of the current chief election commissioner has already expired, and further delays could impact the credibility and functioning of the ECP.
Referring to Article 213(2B) of the Constitution, Ayub stated that he has re-sent the request for the establishment of a bipartisan parliamentary committee mandated to finalise these crucial appointments.
The opposition, he added, has nominated four members from the National Assembly and two from the Senate for representation in the committee. The nominated MNAs include Asad Qaiser, Gohar Ali Khan, Sahibzada Hamid Raza, and Latif Khosa, while Senator Shibli Faraz and Allama Raja Nasir Abbas have been named from the Upper House.
Ayub underscored the need to expedite the selection process, calling on the federal government to fulfil its constitutional obligation and initiate immediate consultations to ensure timely appointments.
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“The process must not be delayed any further. These appointments are vital for upholding democratic norms and ensuring transparent electoral practices in the country,” he asserted.
A day earlier, PM Shehbaz formally invited Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Omar Ayub, for a meeting to consult on the appointment of the new chief election commissioner and two members of the Election Commission of Pakistan.
In a letter sent to Ayub, the prime minister highlighted that the constitutional tenures of the current CEC and two ECP members had expired on January 26, and they are presently continuing in office under Article 215 of the Constitution. This article allows officials to remain in their roles until their successors are appointed.
The PM emphasized the need for mutual consultation, as the process of appointing the CEC and ECP members requires the final list of proposed names to be forwarded to a parliamentary committee. "It is necessary under the constitutional process to consult with you on these appointments," Shehbaz Sharif stated in the letter.
