ISLAMABAD: Secretary Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) Ishtiak Ahmed Khan has rejoined his duties after rejection of resignation, he had submitted to leave the office after some differences had emerged on certain issues.
He assumed charge on Monday after the Prime Minister rejected his resignation and now the period till submission of the resignation and till resuming the charge, will be considered as leave period.
Ishtiak Khan was first appointed as Secretary Election Commission in September 2009 for two years. Later his tenure was extended for another two years till September 2013 as he continued functioning and embarked upon number of projects to improve election system in the country.
But, some time back he emerged some differences within the ECP and opted to resign. At that time he was not in complete agreement with the then CEC as well as some other important government organs on the issue of unregistered votes and updation of electoral rolls.
His resignation was not accepted and no new Secretary was appointed at his place till the Chief Election Commissioner Justice (r) Hamid Ali Mirza relinquished the charge on completion of his tenure and the issue of electoral rolls is also almost settled.
Officials at the Commission consider Ishtiak Khan a vibrant officer who took numerous initiatives to improve the election system in the country.
To his credit, the ECP officials mention to initiatives like starting consultation process with political parties, civil society and media to improve the working of the Commission and the related laws.
He is also considered as an author of a bill providing that the election at any polling station where the women vote cast will be less than 10% of the total vote cast, will be declared null and void.
Ishtiak is not only considered as a moving force behind five year Strategic Plan of the Election Commission but also positively pointing out under the constitution that dual nationality holders cannot contest the elections.
During his previous tenure, the initiatives like introducing Electronic Voting Machines, afresh preparation of electoral rolls, preparing a new ballot paper with water marks and other security features to check rigging in the polls.
The officials at the Commission have welcomed his rejoining and have hoped that various initiatives he had started earlier will successfully be materialized and it will be good omen to further improve the election Commission.
They have also hoped that Fakhar-ud-Din G Ibrahim as Chief Election Commissioner and Ishtiak Ahmed Khan as Secretary will be a good team to efficiently deliver for holding free, fair and transparent election in the prevailing circumstances.
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