IHC issues notices to PM, president in ECP appointment case

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued pre-admission notices to the federation, prime minister and president regarding a petition filed by opposition leaders against delays in appointing the chief election commissioner (CEC) and Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) members. Justice Azam Khan of the IHC heard the petition filed by Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Omar Ayub Khan and Leader of the Opposition in the Senate Shibli Faraz on Wednesday. Advocate Sameer Khosa represented the petitioners, arguing that the CEC and ECP members continue to serve despite their constitutional terms having expired. During proceedings, the court inquired whether the appointment process had begun. Counsel Latif Khosa responded that no progress had been made, including the constitution of the required parliamentary committee.

The court issued notices to the federation, prime minister (through principal secretary), president (through secretary), current CEC and ECP members. The hearing was adjourned until April 29.

The petition names the federal government, Senate chairman, National Assembly Speaker and ECP as respondents. It contends the constitutional terms of the CEC and members representing Sindh and Balochistan have lapsed.

Key contentions include alleged constitutional violations due to delayed appointments, failure of constitutional obligations by the prime minister, NA Speaker and Senate chairman, and requests for judicial intervention to compel formation of the parliamentary committee and ensure proper consultation under Article 213. The petition further seeks declaration that the continued tenure of CEC and members after term expiration is unlawful.