Achakzai seeks urgent talks with PM over new ECP appointments
Achakzai calls for immediate ECP appointments
Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Mahmood Khan Achakzai has formally asked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to start the constitutional process for new Election Commission of Pakistan appointments.
In a letter to the prime minister, Achakzai referred to constitutional provisions governing the appointment of the chief election commissioner and ECP members.
He said Article 213 requires the prime minister to consult the opposition leader before sending three names for the chief election commissioner’s appointment to a parliamentary committee.
Achakzai also pointed to Article 218, which sets out a similar consultation process for appointing ECP members from the provinces.
According to Achakzai, the terms of the chief election commissioner and ECP members from Sindh and Balochistan expired on January 26, 2025.
He said filling these important constitutional positions without further delay was necessary for the Election Commission to continue its work effectively.
Opposition leader seeks meeting with PM
Achakzai also requested a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the earliest possible opportunity.
He said the meeting would help both sides discuss and finalise suitable nominations for the vacant constitutional positions.
The opposition leader stressed that timely appointments were important for protecting the ECP’s independence, credibility and smooth functioning.
The issue comes as Pakistan continues to face political disagreements over constitutional and electoral matters.
The process requires consultation between the government and opposition before the names can move to the parliamentary committee for consideration.
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TTAP discusses political and economic issues
Meanwhile, the Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Ayeen Pakistan held a high-level meeting chaired by Achakzai, according to a statement issued by the alliance.
The meeting was attended by Senator Allama Nasir Abbas, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, former senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, Hussain Ahmed Yousafzai and Khalid Yousaf Chaudhry.
The participants discussed Pakistan’s political and constitutional situation along with economic and security challenges.
The alliance expressed concern over what it described as the government’s failure to adequately address major national issues.
The meeting also reviewed broader political developments and the country’s current constitutional situation.
