Govt given 10 days more for appointment of ECP members

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday gave 10 days more time to government for appointment of 2 new members of Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

Chief Justice Islamabad High Court Justice Athar Minallah took up the plea filed by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) challenging the appointment of two new members of the ECP.

During hearing legal adviser of the National Assembly informed the court that a consensus has been developed upon the appointment of two members of EC. He said that name of Chief Election Commissioner has been withdrawn; now government and opposition will give new names.

Chief Justice Athar Minallah remarked, "It is pleasant that parliament was not debased", sanctity of parliament and supremacy of the Constitution is must", people have enormous expectations from members of the Parliament".

The CJ further observed, "If matter comes in the court then people who elect Parliamentarians are debased". CJ remarked, “Parliament is supreme, if Parliament will become strong then Pakistan becomes strong”.

The court gave more 10 days time to federal government for the appointment of ECP members and adjourned the hearing till January 27.

Appointment of ECP members raised after the retirement of ECP members Abdul Ghaffar Soomro from Sindh and Justice (R) Shakeel Baloch from Baloshitan in January and, as per law their replacements were to be made within 45 days.

A consultation between the prime minister and leader of the opposition in the National Assembly is required for the appointment of the ECP members.