After hearing the matter of Chief Election Commissioner's (CEC) permanent appointment on Monday, Chief Justice Nasirul Mulk withdrew nomination of acting CEC Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali with effect from December 05. Talking to Business Recorder, an official of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) said that after withdrawal of services of the acting CEC the Commission would become dysfunctional so it has become mandatory for the government to fill the slot before December 05.
Earlier, during the course of hearing, a three-member bench of Chief Justice Nasirul Mulk hinted at issuing notices to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Opposition Leader of the Lower House Syed Khurshid Shah if the slot is not filled permanently by December 01. Appearing on court's notice, Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Salman Aslam Butt apprised the bench that the government and majority of opposition parties were unanimous on the name of a retired judge of the apex court, however, a major political party (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)), had raised objection over that nomination. Seeking more time in the current matter, the AGP submitted that consultation process for a permanent appointment of the CEC has started again but it is being delayed due to the absence of Syed Khurshid Shah who is abroad.
The Chief Justice objected to the delay whereas another member of the bench, Justice Gulzar Ahmad, observed that nothing has been done so far in this regard, asking the AGP to produce the notification pertaining to the CEC's appointment. However, the AGP told the court that the Opposition Leader is in Europe; to which, Justice Gulzar said that it is quite possible for the government to contact him through phone.
The court said in its order that on the last date of hearing, the bench told the AGP that if there will be no appointment then they will withdraw the Supreme Court's judge, who is currently performing as acting CEC. The hearing of matter was adjourned till December 01.
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