Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Mahmood Khan Achakzai has responded to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s letter regarding consultations on the appointment of the chief election commissioner and two Election Commission of Pakistan members.
According to sources, Achakzai has indicated that he is available to meet the prime minister on four different dates during the current month and has asked for a day and time to be fixed for the consultation. The proposed meeting could be held in the Constitution Room of Parliament House. Sources said Mahmood Achakzai provided a verbal response to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s letter after consulting with opposition leaders.
The Opposition Chamber communicated the response to the Prime Minister’s Office by telephone, according to sources. In his response, Achakzai said he was available for a meeting on four different dates during the current month. The opposition leader also requested that the prime minister’s office specify the day and time for the consultation on the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and two members of the Election Commission.
According to sources, Achakzai suggested that the consultation could take place in the Constitution Room of Parliament House. The response sets the stage for a meeting between the prime minister and opposition leader as the process for appointing the Chief Election Commissioner and two ECP members moves forward.
Earlier on Friday, the opposition had welcomed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s response regarding the appointment of the chief election commissioner and Election Commission of Pakistan members, with Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Mahmood Achakzai deciding to re-engage with the prime minister.
During the meeting, Achakzai took the opposition leaders into confidence over the prime minister’s letter and discussed the response regarding the appointment of the chief election commissioner and ECP members.
The leaders also held consultations on the PTI’s September 27 protest and agreed to contact all political parties before convening an All Parties Conference.