The 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 to oversee the appointment of the chief election commissioner (CEC) and two other members of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
In his correspondence, Ayub emphasized the extended delay in filling these crucial constitutional roles, highlighting that the current chief election commissioner’s term has already concluded. He stressed that any further postponement could negatively impact the credibility and operational efficiency of the ECP.
Citing Article 213(2B) of the Constitution, Ayub reiterated his request for the establishment of a bipartisan parliamentary committee specifically tasked with finalizing these vital appointments.
He further noted that the opposition has proposed four members from the National Assembly and two from the Senate for inclusion in this committee. The nominated Members of National Assembly (MNAs) are Asad Qaiser, Gohar Ali Khan, Sahibzada Hamid Raza, and Latif Khosa, while Senator Shibli Faraz and Allama Raja Nasir Abbas have been put forward from the Upper House.
Ayub underscored the urgency of expediting the selection process, calling upon the federal government to fulfill its constitutional duty by initiating prompt consultations to ensure timely appointments.
“The process must not be delayed any further. These appointments are crucial for upholding democratic principles and ensuring transparent electoral practices in the country,” he asserted.
A day earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formally invited Omar Ayub, Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, for a meeting to discuss the appointments of the new chief election commissioner and two members of the Election Commission of Pakistan.
In a letter dispatched to Ayub, the prime minister pointed out that the constitutional tenures of the current CEC and two ECP members expired on January 26. He explained that they are currently continuing in their roles under Article 215 of the Constitution, which permits officials to remain in office until their successors are appointed.
The Prime Minister emphasized the necessity of mutual consultation, as the process for appointing the CEC and ECP members requires the final list of proposed names to be submitted to a parliamentary committee. “It is necessary under the constitutional process to consult with you on these appointments,” Shehbaz Sharif stated in his letter.
