Islamabad: (RightNow) Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai have consulted on the appointment of the new Chief Election Commissioner and two members of the Election Commission. The Prime Minister sent a letter to Achakzai, assuring adherence to the constitutional procedure for appointments.

Sources indicate that the Prime Minister’s letter emphasized following the constitutional process. Mahmood Khan Achakzai is currently in Quetta and is expected to arrive in Islamabad within two to three days.

Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai will consult with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and the Senate’s opposition leader regarding the Prime Minister’s letter. The aim is to reach a consensus on the appointments.

Consultation between the Prime Minister and the Opposition Leader is essential for appointing the Chief Election Commissioner and members. If consensus is reached, names are sent to the parliamentary committee; otherwise, three names are proposed for each position.

It is noteworthy that the tenure of the current Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja and other members ended on January 26, 2025. Despite the constitutional deadline passing, new members have not been appointed.