Speaking on the occasion, President Zardari said the Parliamentary Committee on Appointment of the CEC had demonstrated political maturity and wisdom at this critical time when the appointment of a consensus CEC was of absolute importance for credible elections. He hoped that the appointment of a consensus CEC would contribute to political stability in the country.

Those who attended the ceremony included: Senator Farooq H Naik, Makhdoom Shahabud Din, Syed Khursheed Shah, Senator Islamud Din Sheikh, Senator Haji Mohammad Adeel, Ch Manzoor Ahmed, Salman Faruqui, Presidential Spokesman Senator Farhatullah Babar, Rukhsana Bangash and Fouzia Habib.

The Parliamentary Committee on Appointment of the CEC had agreed on the nomination of Fakhruddin G Ebrahim. Accordingly, the Parliamentary Affairs Ministry requested the prime minister to advise the president to accord his assent to the nomination.

Separately, MNA Hameedullah Jan Afridi called on President Zardari at the Presidency. He was accompanied by MNA Malik Bilal Rehman, Senator Hilalur Rehman, Haji Khan Afridi and Malik Rasheed Ahmed Khan. Matters relating to Fata were discussed in the meeting.

Dr Paul Bhatti, Adviser to PM on National Harmony, also called on the president to brief him about the matters relating to the National Harmony Ministry. Later, Choong Joo Choi, Ambassador of South Korea, also called on President Zardari. The Board of Investment Chairman Saleem H Mandviwala was also present on the occasion. Matters relating to South Korean investment in Pakistan and issues relating to Korean companies operating in Pakistan were discussed in the meeting. The president also hosted a lunch for the ambassador. President Zardari also approved the appointment of Shakeel Ahmed as the judge of the Accountability Court, Multan.