Islamabad, June 2025 — Political tensions in Pakistan have flared once again following a fresh dispute between the ruling coalition and the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) regarding the appointment of the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC). Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Omar Ayub Khan, had formally requested the formation of a parliamentary committee to deliberate on the appointment. However, Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has declined to unilaterally establish such a body at this stage, citing procedural requirements and the need for broader political consultation.

This move has sparked a new round of debate over the transparency and inclusiveness of the CEC appointment process — a constitutionally mandated process that requires both government and opposition consensus. The seat of the Chief Election Commissioner is expected to become vacant later this year, and political stakeholders are already maneuvering to shape the future of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

Omar Ayub's Demand and Speaker's Response

Omar Ayub, a senior PTI leader and vocal critic of the current coalition government, had submitted a formal letter to the Speaker demanding the immediate formation of the constitutional parliamentary committee tasked with vetting candidates for the top ECP post. According to Article 213 of Pakistan’s Constitution, the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition are to submit three names for the CEC appointment to a bipartisan parliamentary committee, which then recommends a single name.

However, in response to Omar Ayub’s demand, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq did not initiate the process to constitute the committee immediately. Sources in the Speaker’s office indicate that the request has been forwarded to the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs for appropriate action, and both sides have been encouraged to begin consultations in good faith before formal committee formation.

The Speaker’s cautious stance is being interpreted by PTI as a deliberate delay, aimed at stalling the opposition’s involvement in the critical appointment process. PTI leaders argue that excluding them from the process undermines the credibility of future elections.

Government's Position and Call for Consultation

On the government’s end, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has invited Omar Ayub for formal consultations to move the process forward. The Prime Minister’s Office has emphasized the importance of bipartisan consensus in such constitutional matters, and insists that it is the responsibility of both sides to engage constructively rather than issue unilateral demands.

A senior PML-N minister, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “The Speaker hasn’t refused anything. The process has to be done systematically. Omar Ayub wants to jump steps — first, the PM and opposition leader must consult and propose names. The Speaker then takes further steps. That hasn’t happened yet.”

This statement highlights the procedural gap: formal names for the CEC post have yet to be proposed by either side. Until then, no committee can technically be formed.

Political Stakes in the CEC Appointment

The position of Chief Election Commissioner holds immense influence in Pakistan’s electoral landscape. As the head of the ECP, the CEC is responsible for overseeing the conduct of general elections, by-elections, and referenda. The credibility and neutrality of this post are vital for maintaining democratic legitimacy in the country.

With general elections expected within the next two years, both PTI and the ruling alliance are keen to ensure that a favorable — or at least acceptable — candidate takes the helm at the ECP. PTI, which has long accused the electoral system of bias and interference, is demanding full transparency and consultation in the selection process.

Conversely, the ruling alliance is wary of PTI’s confrontational approach and wants to avoid any unnecessary constitutional logjams that could delay governance or electoral preparedness.

Legal and Constitutional Context

Under Article 213(2A) of the Constitution, the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition must reach consensus on a candidate for the CEC. If no consensus is reached, the matter is referred to a parliamentary committee composed of members from both the government and opposition, with equal representation from both Houses of Parliament.

The process is designed to foster political cooperation, but in practice, it has often led to deadlocks and delayed appointments. The last appointment of a CEC also saw prolonged political wrangling before consensus was finally achieved.

What Comes Next?

Political analysts suggest that the deadlock could be resolved if Omar Ayub and Shehbaz Sharif meet for direct talks in the coming weeks. “This is not just about one appointment,” says Islamabad-based political commentator Farhan Mehmood. “It’s about setting the tone for the next general elections. If both sides fail to collaborate, the legitimacy of the entire process could come under question.”

As of now, the situation remains in flux. PTI is expected to escalate pressure both inside and outside Parliament, while the government appears to be betting on procedural compliance and political patience.

Whether the Speaker’s actions represent a delay tactic or a principled stance on legal process remains a matter of political interpretation. One thing is clear: the battle over the next Chief Election Commissioner is shaping up to be yet another high-stakes episode in Pakistan’s evolving democratic journey.

Reference: عمرایوب کا مطالبہ مسترد، چیف الیکشن کمشنر کی تقرری کیلئے سپیکر کا پارلیمانی کمیٹی بنانے سے انکار