Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has formally invited Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Omar Ayub, for a meeting to consult on the appointment of the new chief election commissioner (CEC) and two members of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

In a letter sent to Ayub, the prime minister highlighted that the constitutional tenures of the current CEC and two ECP members had expired on January 26, and they are presently continuing in office under Article 215 of the Constitution. This article allows officials to remain in their roles until their successors are appointed.

The PM emphasized the need for mutual consultation, as the process of appointing the CEC and ECP members requires the final list of proposed names to be forwarded to a parliamentary committee. "It is necessary under the constitutional process to consult with you on these appointments," Shehbaz Sharif stated in the letter.

Omer Ayub responds

Meanwhile, the opposition leader has referred the matter of the appointments to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) political committee.

Sources confirm that the PTI’s political committee has begun internal consultations on potential candidates. The committee will also decide whether or not Omer Ayub should formally meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for the proposed consultation.

Speaking to Samaa TV, Omar Ayub said, “We will definitely provide our nominations, but we are currently in the process of gathering credible names. After Eid, a list of three candidates will be prepared and submitted to the speaker of the National Assembly.”

He added that the party’s political committee has been granted full authority to make a decision, and whatever is decided will be announced accordingly.