PTBP Web Desk
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has demanded the immediate formation of a parliamentary committee to appoint a new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and members of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) from Sindh and Balochistan. The party has raised concerns over the credibility of the ECP, urging the government to take swift action to restore public trust in this vital constitutional body.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Sunday, PTI Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram warned the government—which he described as lacking a public mandate—against further undermining the ECP. He emphasized the need for the appointment of a credible, impartial, and reputable individual as the new CEC to address the growing concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.
Akram did not mince words when criticizing the outgoing Chief Election Commissioner, Sikandar Sultan Raja, whose term ended on January 26, 2025. He labeled Raja as one of the most controversial figures in Pakistan’s electoral history, citing the February 8 general elections as a significant blemish on his legacy. PTI has consistently alleged that the elections were marred by large-scale rigging, which they claim has permanently tainted Raja’s tenure.
The PTI leader accused the current government of systematically undermining state institutions by enacting self-serving constitutional amendments. According to Akram, these amendments were designed to install loyalists and contentious figures in key positions, enabling the government to perpetuate its rule without a legitimate mandate and evade accountability.
Akram also highlighted that both the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Omar Ayub, and the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, Shibli Faraz, had already written letters to the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chairman of the Senate. In these letters, they urged the immediate appointment of a new CEC to ensure the credibility of the electoral process.
The PTI leader made it clear that his party would not tolerate the retention of a controversial CEC or the appointment of a biased successor. He reiterated PTI’s commitment to ensuring that the new CEC is a credible and impartial individual who can restore the integrity of the ECP and the electoral process as a whole.
Akram pointed out that despite alleged coercion and intimidation during the February 8 elections, the public had clearly expressed its decision. PTI remains determined to ensure that the people’s mandate is respected and implemented. The party has vowed to mobilize the public once again on February 8, 2025, to ensure that their decision is fully honored.
The Election Commission of Pakistan plays a pivotal role in ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections. A credible and impartial ECP is essential for maintaining public trust in the democratic process. PTI’s demand for the immediate appointment of a new CEC and ECP members underscores the party’s commitment to upholding democratic principles and ensuring that the electoral process is free from bias and manipulation.
PTI’s stance reflects a broader call for transparency and accountability in the appointment of key officials. The party has consistently advocated for reforms to strengthen democratic institutions and ensure that they operate independently and without political interference. By demanding the appointment of a credible CEC, PTI aims to restore public confidence in the electoral process and ensure that future elections are conducted fairly.
