President Arif Alvi approves Ahad Cheema's removal as PM's adviser

• President approves PM Kakar’s summary for removal of Cheema.
• PM sent summary for Cheema's removal in line with ECP orders.
• ECP had ordered his removal to ensure free and fair elections.

ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi Monday approved the removal of Ahad Khan Cheema from his post of adviser to the prime minister on establishment.

The decision was taken in line with caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul Haq Kakar summary's which he sent to the president for Cheema’s removal following the directives of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

President Alvi approved the removal of Cheema on the advice of the prime minister under Article 48 of the Constitution.

Meanwhile, the Cabinet Division also issued a notification regarding Cheema's removal as the prime minister's adviser.

The election commission had on December 19 ordered the removal of Cheema from office in a bid to ensure that free and fair polls take place.

Cheema was part of the caretaker government which is appointed to oversee the country’s affairs — with limited powers — till the elections, which are set to take place on February 8, 2024.

In line with the Constitution, the polling body can hire or fire any cabinet member of the interim government to ensure that free and fair elections take place.

In August, it had removed several members of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet for being actively involved in politics.

Advocate Syed Aziz Uddin Kaka Khel had filed the petition with the ECP on September 29 against caretaker federal cabinet members Cheema and Fawad Hasan Fawad — whose status remains intact so far.