Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Mahmood Khan Achakzai has yet to respond to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s invitation for consultations on the appointment of a new chief election commissioner (CEC).
The invitation was extended just days ahead of the PTI-led long march towards Islamabad, scheduled for September 27, according to a source familiar with the matter.
“Yes, the prime minister invited him (Achakzai) for consultation,” the source confirmed.
The development follows National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq’s recent call for greater political harmony and stability. During an NA session, the speaker had urged the prime minister to initiate dialogue with the opposition, suggesting that consultations on the appointment of a new CEC could serve as a first step.
The PTI has so far remained silent on the matter. A senior party leader contacted for comment declined to discuss the prime minister’s invitation.
The five-year constitutional term of incumbent CEC Sikandar Sultan Raja expired on January 26, 2025. Raja has faced criticism from the PTI since the removal of its government in April 2022, with the opposition party accusing him of favouring the PML-N-led government.
Among the major allegations against Raja was the Election Commission of Pakistan’s decision to deprive the PTI of its electoral symbol, the bat, ahead of the 2024 general elections. Critics argued that the decision disadvantaged PTI candidates by creating confusion among voters and affected the party’s position regarding reserved seats.
Under Article 213(2A) of the Constitution, the prime minister is required to consult the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly before forwarding three candidates for the appointment of the chief election commissioner to a parliamentary committee.
The committee, constituted by the National Assembly speaker, is required to have equal representation from the treasury and opposition benches, based on their strength in Parliament.
In the event that the prime minister and opposition leader fail to reach consensus, both can submit separate lists of candidates to the parliamentary committee, which may then approve any one of the proposed names.
The committee consists of 12 members, including one-third from the Senate. If the National Assembly has been dissolved and a vacancy occurs in the office of the CEC, the committee comprises only Senate members.
Earlier in August, Achakzai had written to Prime Minister Shehbaz, urging him to appoint a new chief election commissioner as well as new ECP members representing Sindh and Balochistan.
The terms of the CEC and the ECP members from Sindh and Balochistan expired on January 26, 2025. Under Article 215(4), their successors were required to be appointed within 45 days, by March 12, 2025.
However, the 26th Constitutional Amendment introduced a proviso to Article 215(1), allowing the CEC and ECP members to continue performing their duties until their successors are appointed.
Sikandar Sultan Raja and the ECP members from Sindh and Balochistan are currently continuing in office under this provision.
