Page 12 · Back Page

Talks begin to arrange Opp leader, PM meeting on new CEC

ISLAMABAD: Consultations have begun between the offices of National Assembly Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to arrange a meeting following the premier’s letter to the former regarding the appointment of a new chief election commissioner (CEC).

A day ago, Dawn, citing an official source, reported that the prime minister had decided to initiate a dialogue between the government and opposition by inviting Mr Achakzai for mandatory consultations on the appointment of a new CEC.

Earlier in August, Mr Achakzai urged the prime minister in a letter to appoint a new CEC, along with two members representing Sindh and Balochistan.

In a social media post on X on Friday, Mr Achakzai confirmed that consultations had begun between his office and that of the prime minister following the latter’s letter to schedule a meeting.

Last month, NA Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, during a session of the House, also stressed the need for political harmony and stability and expressed the desire for the prime minister to initiate dialogue with the opposition by, as a first step, inviting the opposition leader for consultations on the appointment of a new CEC.