The federal government and opposition Friday sent 24 names (12 each nominated by the Prime Minister and the Opposition Leader) in sealed envelopes in the name of Chairman, Parliamentary Committee for selecting four names (one from each province) for appointments of Election Commission of Pakistan(ECP) members. Sealed envelopes carrying the letters have been sent to Secretary National Assembly who will forward it to the Chairman Parliamentary Committee.
According to an official statement, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar has sent 12 names (03 names from each province) with the approval of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif to the Parliamentary Committee. Similarly, Leader of Opposition has written a letter to Secretary National Assembly of Pakistan, regarding the appointments of members of Election Commission of Pakistan. His letter too accompanies a list (in a sealed envelope) in the name of Chairman, Parliamentary Committee on appointments of Chief Election Commissioner and members of the Election Commission.
As per Article 218 (2) (b) of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Prime Minister of Pakistan and Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, after consultation, has recommended for consideration the names for the appointments of Members of the Election Commission of Pakistan.
According to a handout issued from the office of Opposition Leader, as per Constitutional requirement, a series of meetings has been held with the Minister for Finance (on behalf of the Prime Minister of Pakistan) and the undersigned to finalise the names for the post of Members of the Election Commission of Pakistan.
As consensus could not be evolved on names, a list (in a sealed envelope) consisting of names of 12-members (03 from each Province) from Leader of the Opposition is therefore, forwarded for consideration by the Parliamentary Committee on appointments of Chief Election Commissioner and Members of the Election Commission. The selection of ECP members will take place on Monday in a meeting of Parliamentary committee which would be held at 10:30am.