Consultations continue for appointment of new Chief Election Commissioner

Leader of the Opposition Mehmood Khan Achakzai has formally replied to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's letter regarding consultations for the appointment of a new Chief Election Commissioner, according to reports on Friday.

The contents of the reply have not been made public, but the communication marks the next step in the constitutionally required dialogue between the two leaders.

Consultations have officially begun between the offices of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Mehmood Khan Achakzai, to arrange a formal meeting regarding the appointment of a new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC).

Mr. Achakzai confirmed the development in a statement on Friday. The move follows the prime minister's recent letter initiating the constitutionally required dialogue process. The new appointment is needed as the five-year term of the incumbent CEC, Sikandar Sultan Raja, is set to expire on January 26, 2025.

Leader of the Opposition Mahmood Khan Achakzai has welcomed the prime minister's letter regarding consultations for the appointment of a new Chief Election Commissioner. Following the assurance from the prime minister, Mr. Achakzai is now planning to hold formal consultations with other opposition parties.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has formally replied to a letter from Leader of the Opposition Mahmood Khan Achakzai regarding appointments to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

In his response, the prime minister assured Mr. Achakzai that the constitutional procedure for appointing the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and its members will be strictly followed. The exchange follows a meeting between government representatives Rana Sanaullah and Tariq Fazal Chaudhry with the opposition leader.

Following the receipt of the prime minister's letter, Mr. Achakzai is expected to hold consultations with leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and also take the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, Raja Nasir Abbas, into confidence on the matter.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, have held talks, according to available reports on Thursday.

The meeting was reportedly for consultations on the appointment of a new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC).

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has formally invited National Assembly Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai for mandatory consultations on the appointment of a new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC). A source close to the prime minister confirmed the invitation to Dawn on Thursday.

According to the report, the opposition leader has not yet responded to the invitation. The development comes after National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq recently urged the prime minister to initiate dialogue with the opposition, starting with the CEC appointment. The five-year term of the incumbent CEC, Sikandar Sultan Raja, is set to expire on January 26, 2025.

Under Article 213 of the Constitution, the prime minister is required to consult with the leader of the opposition to propose three names for the post to a parliamentary committee for confirmation.

Sources have confirmed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has sent a response to a letter from Mahmood Khan Achakzai, who was addressed in reports as the Leader of the Opposition.

While the subject of the communication is believed to be the appointment of a new Chief Election Commissioner, official details have not yet been released.

The recent communication between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and political leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai was reportedly regarding the appointment of a new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), according to available information.

Previously, it was confirmed that the prime minister had responded to a letter from Mr. Achakzai, marking a significant contact between the government and opposition, though the subject was not disclosed at the time.