ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The CEC appointment process remains stalled as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has yet to begin formal consultations with National Assembly Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai over three Election Commission posts.
Achakzai wrote to the prime minister on August 10, seeking consultations for a new chief election commissioner and ECP members representing Sindh and Balochistan. His letter cited Article 213(2A), which requires consultation between the prime minister and opposition leader before nominees are sent to a parliamentary committee.
A government delegation led by Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah met Achakzai on August 17. Sanaullah said the appointment process would begin “soon,” but no timetable was announced.
The five-year terms of Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, Sindh member Nisar Durrani and Balochistan member Shah Muhammad Jatoi expired on January 26, 2025.
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The 26th Constitutional Amendment inserted a proviso into Article 215 allowing the CEC and ECP members to remain in office after their terms expire until their successors assume office.
The delay, therefore, does not leave the three offices administratively vacant; rather, their constitutionally prescribed five-year terms have ended.
