No ECP appointments sans PM-Opp consultation: NA

PML-N-led coalition government in the Centre now has 229 members in the NA. PHOTO: APP
The National Assembly Secretariat on Sunday clarified that the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and two members of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) was being carried out in full compliance with constitutional requirements and parliamentary procedures.
In response to recent media reports, the secretariat confirmed that National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has formally responded to a letter from Opposition Leader Omar Ayub regarding the appointments.
"According to the spokesperson of the National Assembly, the constitutional and legal procedures for the formation of the parliamentary committee are being followed in letter and spirit. It was clarified that the first step in this process is mutual consultation between the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition," the statement clarified.
According to the spokesperson for the National Assembly, the speaker, in his reply, outlined the constitutional and legal framework governing the formation of the parliamentary committee responsible for the appointments.
He reminded the opposition leader that the first step in the entire process, as mandated by the Constitution, was mutual consultation between the prime minister and the leader of the opposition.
The speaker also referred to a letter dated May 16, 2025, sent by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to the opposition leader, in which the premier had initiated the consultative process for the nominations.
The spokesperson added that in the event that the PM and the opposition leader fail to reach a consensus on the names for the CEC or ECP members, the matter shall be referred to the speaker under Article 213(2A) of the Constitution.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Express Tribune

2 hours ago

• Express Tribune

CB mulls SC powers for 'complete justice'

Some members of a constitutional bench (CB) of the Supreme Court raised a number of questions with regard to the SC's powers to ensure "complete justice". They also asked how non allocations of reserved seats to the PTI could be called a violation of fundamental rights. PTI leader Kanwal Shauzab's counsel Salman Akram Raja on Friday resumed his arguments in support of the SC's July 12 majority order in the reserved seats case before the 11-member CB led by Justice Aminuddin Khan that is hearing review petitions against the verdict. Raja, in his arguments, stated that it is the responsibility of this court to protect fundamental rights and this responsibility is assigned to it by the Constitution. Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail asked Raja as to how Article 187 applies in this case. Article 187(1) gives the Supreme Court the power to issue any order or direction necessary for doing complete justice in any case pending before it while Article 187(2) gives it the powers as a civil court to enforce its decisions, including issuing orders to any person or authority. Raja replied that he would explain this in detail later. He said the Supreme Court has broader authority and can use Article 187 together with Article 184 to deliver complete justice. Justice Mandokhail asked whether Article 184(3) is used in public interest cases. Salman Akram Raja responded in the affirmative. He said the SC can use Article 184(3) for public interest and fundamental rights. "When there is destruction or crisis, one does not ask which article applies—then the Supreme Court must step forward and do what is necessary." Justice Mandokhail asked whether, if a constitutional violation occurs but no specific article applies, the SC should still take action. The lawyer said in such a situation, the SC should do whatever is necessary. Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar noted that Article 199 cannot be read together with Article 187. He remarked that under Article 199, the high court has powers that even the Supreme Court does not possess. Article 199 of the Constitution outlines the writ jurisdiction of the high courts. It empowers high courts to issue various writs (orders) to enforce fundamental rights and ensure lawful conduct by authorities. Justice Salahuddin Panhwar asked what, in his view, are the limits of the Supreme Court's powers. Justice Jamal Mandokhail said, "My brother judge suggests that there must be some limit to the powers. Does the Supreme Court have unlimited powers in every case?" He then asked whether any constitutional or legal violation occurred in the majority decision of the reserved seats case. Salman Akram Raja said, "There was no overreach in the Supreme Court's decision." Justice Mandokhail remarked that the Constitution itself gives parties the right to join within three days. Justice Aminuddin Khan interjected.

Express Tribune

2 hours ago

• Express Tribune

Pakistan, China & BD set up trilateral forum

China, Pakistan and Bangladesh have formed a first trilateral forum, in a significant development that highlights new alignments in the region. The first meeting of the newly-formed trilateral meeting was held in Kunming, Yunnan province of China on Thursday. The talks, held on June 19, brought together Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong, Bangladesh's Acting Foreign Secretary Ruhul Alam Siddique, and Pakistan's Additional Secretary for Asia-Pacific, Imran Ahmed Siddiqui. Pakistan's Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch also joined the first phase of the discussions via video link. Bangladesh had strained ties with Pakistan and relationship with China was not smooth during the 15-year-rule of Sheikh Hasina Wajid. But since her ouster in August last year, relationship between Pakistan and Bangladesh have seen dramatic improvement while China has also stepped in to advance its interests. The establishment of trilateral forum was the result of behind the scene efforts by three countries. It will certain raise eye brows in India, which suffered a setback after the removal of Hasina government. Pakistan, China and Bangladesh, however, stressed that their new initiative was not aimed at any third country. According to the statement of Chinese Foreign Ministry, Vice Foreign Minister Sun reiterated Beijing's commitment to fostering a "community with a shared future" among neighboring countries. He described both Pakistan and Bangladesh as "good neighbors, good friends, and important partners in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation." "All three countries are key members of the Global South and share the mission of national revitalization and modernization," Sun said. "This trilateral cooperation is not only in line with the collective aspirations of our people but is also essential for ensuring peace, stability, and prosperity in the region." The trilateral dialogue focused on promoting economic development and improving the quality of life across the three nations. The delegations held in-depth discussions on launching cooperation initiatives in sectors such as industry, trade, maritime affairs, water resources, agriculture, climate change, education, youth exchange, healthcare, think tank collaboration, and human resource development. The three countries agreed to establish a joint working group to monitor and implement the proposals and understandings reached during the meeting. All sides emphasised that the China-Pakistan-Bangladesh trilateral engagement would be guided by principles of good-neighborliness, mutual trust, inclusivity, and win-win development. They also clarified that the framework adheres to true multilateralism and open regionalism, and is not aimed against any third party. The meeting marks a new phase in regional diplomacy, with China aiming to build broader cooperative platforms that extend beyond traditional bilateral engagements. Observers say the Kunming meeting could serve as a foundation for future China-led initiatives in South Asia, with an emphasis on development-driven diplomacy.

Express Tribune

2 hours ago

• Express Tribune

Omar warns of oil shock from conflict

Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Omar Ayub Khan addressing a press conference in Islamabad on March 11, 2024. SCREENGRAB Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Omar Ayub Khan has warned that the ongoing Iran-Israel war will shake the global economy as Iran and Kuwait hold the world's largest oil wells. Speaking at a press conference, the PTI leader described Israel's onslaught on Iran as a terrorist attack, lamenting that the Iranian leadership was attacked that plays an important role. He said the world consumes 104 million barrels of oil per day. If anything happens in the aftermath of the conflict, strategic reserves would last only about 12 days.