By Asghar Ali Mubarak
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has written a formal letter to Opposition Leader Omar Ayub, inviting him for consultations on the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and two commission members.
In the letter, the Prime Minister pointed out that the constitutional tenure of the current Chief Election Commissioner and two members expired on 26 January. However, he noted that they have continued to serve under Article 215 of the Constitution.
Shehbaz Sharif added that, according to Article 218, proposals for these appointments must be forwarded to the parliamentary committee, making it essential to begin consultations. Responding to the development, Omar Ayub confirmed receiving the Prime Minister’s letter dated 16 May. He said Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is open to engaging in the consultation process for the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and two members.
Ayub also revealed that he had earlier written to National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq in December 2024, urging the initiation of talks. Despite a public promise made by the Speaker on the floor of the Assembly, Ayub said no progress had been made since.
