Speaker of the National Assembly, Ayaz Sadiq, stated that he has formally written to the government and opposition, requesting nominations for a parliamentary committee regarding the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and members of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
According to a report by Daily Dawn, the Speaker made this statement during the assembly session in response to various points raised by Leader of the Opposition, Omar Ayub Khan. He mentioned that once the nominations are received, the parliamentary committee will be formed.
Responding to Omar Ayub’s remarks, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq emphasized that it has been decided on principle that no point of order will be allowed during the question hour. He stated that this rule is being strictly enforced and will continue to be upheld.
Earlier, while speaking on a point of order, the opposition leader questioned the performance of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). He sought details regarding the salaries, qualifications, and output of individuals working with the SIFC, as well as information on the investments brought into Pakistan through the council.
He further accused the current government of rendering the National Assembly ineffective and complained that his questions regarding the SIFC remained unanswered.
Omar Ayub also stated that the government had extended the tenure of Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, arguing that he should have been tried for violating the Constitution. He added that the same applied to two ECP members whose constitutional terms had already ended.
The opposition leader reminded that he had written a letter to the Speaker demanding the formation of a parliamentary committee for the appointment of a new Chief Election Commissioner and ECP members. He asserted that the country could not progress without an independent Election Commission and the implementation of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
