PM writes to Shahbaz on ECP members’ appointment

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has finally written a letter to the Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Shahbaz Sharif seeking his suggestions in writing for appointment of two members of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

In a four-page letter, the prime minister rejected all objections and allegations hurled by Shahbaz that the government was violating the Constitution by delaying the finalisation of names of ECP members from Balochistan and Sindh.

Imran quoted a number of examples from the earlier court decisions and even a Quranic verse from Surah Baqarah in support of his argument that consultation on the ongoing matter could be and should be done in writing.

“Written consultation is surely preferred. I again stress your good self to participate in the consultative process by giving your views in writing. In case you do not participate in the consultative process, the people of Pakistan and myself shall have no option but to presume that you are evading the legal process in which event further rights shall be reserved,” writes Mr Khan without further elaboration.

Earlier, in a letter to the prime minister, Shahbaz had opposed his way of consultation on the appointment of ECP members through nominees and accused the government of violating the Constitution by impeding the filling of two vacancies.

He had also highlighted the apparent reluctance of prime minister to hold direct consultations with him as a major factor behind the delay.