Ishaq Dar says decision may take another 7 to 10 days as PM, NA Opp leader yet to reach agreement on suitable candidate
Finance Minister Ishaq Dar on Wednesday disclosed that the appointment of a new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) will not be possible by today (Thursday) and the decision may take another week to 10 days.
Speaking to journalists, he said the government will be unable to meet the deadline (Nov 13) assigned by the Supreme Court as Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Opposition Leader in the NA Khursheed Shah are currently out of the country.
Dar said that he is constantly in touch with Shah, however, it seems that the opposition leader and the premier still have not been able to come to an agreement regarding the name of which CEC contender should be sent to the judicial committee.
In the event that the government is unable to meet the deadline, they will have to refer to the Supreme Court and request another deadline when the Attorney General, who is also out of the country, returns.
Justice Tariq Pervez and Justice Nasim Aslam Zahid are contending for the position of new CEC. Rana Bhagwandas and Tassaduq Hussain Jillani are also being considered, despite the fact that they expressed unwillingness to take up the role.
