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CEC appointment has entered a new phase as the government and opposition move toward formal consultations over the selection of Pakistan’s next Chief Election Commissioner and two vacant members of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
The development comes after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif responded to a letter from National Assembly Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai, assuring him that the constitutional procedure would be followed for the appointments. Sources said the response has now been shared with senior opposition figures for further discussion.
Government-Opposition Contact on CEC Appointment
The latest developments indicate that the long-pending CEC appointment process is moving toward direct political engagement. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has invited Mahmood Khan Achakzai for consultations on the appointment of a new Chief Election Commissioner, opening a formal channel between the government and opposition on the issue.
The process also involves filling two vacant ECP positions representing Sindh and Balochistan. Under the constitutional framework, consultation between the prime minister and opposition leader is an essential part of the appointment process.
PM Shehbaz Responds to Achakzai
According to sources, Achakzai had earlier written to the prime minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif seeking the initiation of consultations over the new appointments. The prime minister’s response assured the opposition leader that constitutional requirements would be observed.
Mahmood Khan Achakzai subsequently briefed Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas about the contents of the prime minister’s letter. The opposition leadership agreed to share the development with other political leaders before deciding its next course of action.
Reports indicate that Mahmood Achakzai is expected to consult PTI leadership and other opposition figures before proceeding with the next stage of discussions with the government.
Opposition Consults on September 27 Protest
The opposition meeting also covered preparations for the PTI-leder Ship protest planned for September 27. Opposition leaders discussed the political situation and urged PTI to make comprehensive preparations for the planned mobilisation.
The consultations came as opposition parties continue to assess the broader political environment and consider ways to coordinate their response on issues of national importance.
Plans for All-Parties Conference
Opposition leaders have also discussed reaching out to other political parties before convening an All-Parties Conference (APC).
A meeting of the Tehreek Tahafuz-e-Aain-e Pakistan is scheduled for September 15, where preparations for the proposed APC and the wider political strategy are expected to be reviewed.
The move reflects efforts within the opposition to build a broader political platform amid growing concerns over the country’s political situation.
Constitutional Process for New Election Commission
The appointment of the next Chief Election Commissioner is particularly significant because the incumbent, Sikandar Sultan Raja, completed his five-year constitutional term on January 26, 2025. A constitutional provision allows the incumbent to continue performing his duties until a successor is appointed.
Under Article 213, the prime minister and opposition leader are required to consult on potential candidates for the position. If agreement is reached, the proposed names are sent to a parliamentary committee for consideration. If consensus cannot be achieved, the constitutional procedure provides for separate lists to be submitted to the committee.
With the government now responding to the opposition’s request and inviting Achakzai for consultations, the CEC appointment process appears to be moving from a prolonged delay toward formal political engagement.
The outcome of the upcoming consultations could determine the next steps for filling the country’s top electoral position as well as the two vacant ECP seats.See More on Pulse Pakistan
