Apropos 'Appoint CEC by November 13, Supreme Court tells government again' carried by Business Recorder on October 31, the Supreme Court has rightly reiterated its position in relation to the absence of a permanent Chief Election Commissioner (CEC). According to the report, rejecting on Thursday the application filed by Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah, through which he sought three months extension in the appointment of a permanent Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), the Supreme Court directed the government to appoint a CEC by November 13.
Both Khursheed Shah and prime minister Nawaz Sharif have full appreciation of the fact - as pointed out by Chief Justice Nasirul Mulk - that as per the constitution, consultations between two individuals - Leader of the House and Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly - is the requirement so there is no need to give a three-month extension for the said purpose. Shah and the PM are, therefore, required to strictly adhere to constitution's clauses in relation to the appointment of a CEC without any further loss of time. They must pay heed to CJP's directions in an effective and meaningful manner.