Religious Affairs Minister Khursheed Shah has been elected chairman of the parliamentary committee tasked with the appointment of the chief election commissioner. Surprisingly, opposition member Abdul Ghafoor Hyderi also supported Shah in the election, held under the supervision of the National Assembly secretary on Tuesday. Shah of the PPP secured seven votes against PML-N’s Tehmina Daultana, who managed to bag five. JUI-F leader Hyderi played the decisive role in the outcome of the election. Speaking to newsmen following the meeting, Shah said PPP feels holding free and fair election will be another major service to the county following the restoration of the 1973 Constitution. The chairman said the committee has already received three nominees of the Prime Minister for the post of Chief Election Commissioner. He said the committee would also write to Opposition Leader for his recommendations for the coveted slot of Chief Election Commissioner.