Shahbaz writes another letter to PM

Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Shahbaz Sharif has written another letter to Prime Minister Imran Khan for the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner immediately.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is going to become dysfunctional as the treasury and the opposition failed to break a deadlock on two appointments in the poll supervisory body while its head is also set to retire on Friday (today).

Shahbaz has earlier suggested three names, ie, Nasir Mahmood Khosa, Jalil Abbas Jilani and Khaliq Ahmed Tarar for the slot of CEC. Former Justice Sardar Raza Khan is retiring on Friday after completing his five-year constitutional term.

The PML-N president, in his letter, opined that these prominent figures are well suited for the said position and urged the premier to put them under consideration without further delay. He further said that according to the Article-213(2A) of the Constitution, the prime minister is required to consult with the opposition leader.

Shahbaz wrote, "Under the constitution, you should have started this consultation a long time ago. However, in an attempt to prevent a constitutional body like the election commission from becoming inactive, I am resuming the consultation process. Hopefully you will be able to qualify these individuals and bring them under consideration in accordance with the law."

"I urge you to make a sincere effort to create a consensus," Shahbaz wrote in the letter to the prime minister.

Under the Constitution, the ECP comprises a Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and four members - one from each province. According to Article-215 (4) inserted in the Constitution through the 22nd Amendment a "vacancy in the office of the commissioner or a member shall be filled within 45 days."