The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday issued pre-admission notices to the federal government, prime minister, and president over the delay in appointing the chief election commissioner (CEC) and two members of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
Justice Muhammad Azam Khan heard the petition filed by Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Omar Ayub and Leader of the Opposition in the Senate Shibli Faraz, challenging the continued functioning of the incumbent CEC and ECP members despite the expiry of their tenure.
The court also issued notices to the Chief Election Commissioner and the existing members of the Election Commission.
Advocate Sameer Khosa, representing the petitioners, contended that the constitutional posts were being occupied beyond their mandated term, which violated legal provisions.
During the proceedings, the court inquired whether the process for appointing a new CEC and ECP members had commenced. Responding to the query, senior lawyer Latif Khosa informed the court that no such process had been initiated yet, adding that a parliamentary committee needed to be formed for the purpose.
Taking note of the matter, the court sought responses from the Federation, the Prime Minister through his Principal Secretary, and the President via the Secretary. Notices were also issued to the Chief Election Commissioner and ECP members.
The hearing was subsequently adjourned until April 29.
