PM Shehbaz invites PTI's Omar Ayub for talks on appointment of new ECP chief

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has formally invited Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Omar Ayub for consultation on the appointment of a new chief election commissioner (CEC), in line with constitutional requirements.

In a letter addressed to Ayub, the premier noted that the terms of CEC Sikandar Sultan Raja and two Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) members—Nisar Ahmad Durrani (Sindh) and Shah Muhammad Jatoi (Balochistan)—had expired on January 26. However, under Article 215 of the Constitution, they have continued to serve.

The prime minister cited Article 218, which mandates that names for the CEC and commission members must be forwarded to a parliamentary committee for approval. As per Article 213, the prime minister and the opposition leader are required to reach a consensus on three names to be sent to the president. If consensus is not reached, both submit separate lists, which are then reviewed by a 12-member bipartisan parliamentary committee.

Article 217 stipulates that in the absence of a CEC, the senior-most member of the commission assumes the role. Currently, members Babar Hassan Bharwana (Punjab) and Justice (retd) Ikramullah Khan (KP) remain in office until May 2027.

Despite the constitutional urgency, political deadlock has stalled progress on new appointments. No prior contact had been established between the prime minister and the opposition leader due to heightened political tensions.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has already approached the Islamabad High Court on the issue. In March, Ayub and Senate Opposition Leader Shibli Faraz filed a petition challenging the delay in appointing a new CEC.