ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Speaker has declined to form a parliamentary committee to select the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and members of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) until consultations between the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader are finalized.
Earlier in February, Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq requested nominations for the committee but has yet to receive formal instructions from the Prime Minister’s office.
A spokesperson confirmed that the formation process will only begin after the official letter from the Prime Minister arrives.
Consultations between the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Opposition Leader Omar Ayub Khan started on
May 16, 2025, under Article 213 of the Constitution.
The talks aim to finalize three names each for the CEC and two members representing Sindh and Balochistan provinces.
Constitutional Process and Consultations
According to Clause 2A of Article 213, the Prime Minister must consult with the Opposition Leader and forward three names for the parliamentary committee’s approval.
Clause 2B mandates that the Speaker constitutes a committee with equal representation from the treasury and opposition benches based on parliamentary strength.
Despite no explicit restriction on committee formation before consultations conclude, the Speaker insists the process will wait until consultations are complete.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had invited the Opposition Leader for talks on June 4, but no date was specified for further meetings.
Current Status and Legal Context
The previous CEC and two members’ five-year terms expired on January 26, but a controversial amendment allows them to stay until successors are appointed.
Opposition Leader Omar Ayub Khan has formally requested the formation of the parliamentary panel as per constitutional provisions.
The government emphasizes completing consultations first to ensure a transparent and cooperative appointment process for the vital Election Commission positions.
