Rasheed contacts Fazl, Siraj, Sherpao, Bizenjo, discusses CEC appointment

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has handed over the responsibility to Information Minister Pervaiz Rasheed for making contacts with the political parties over the appointment of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Geo News reported.

In this regard, Pervaiz Rasheed made contacts with Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Chief Sirajul Haq, JUI-F Chief Fazlur Rehman, Aftab Sherpao and Hasil Bizenjo.

The minister will also approach Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leadership over the matter.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) have recommended the name of Justice (retd) Nasir Aslam Zahid for the post of Chief Election Commissioner.

JI leader, Liaquat Baloch announced his party's support for Justice (retd) Nasir Aslam during a news conference. Baloch said there was a need to reform the electoral system in the country.

Earlier, PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi met with National Assembly Opposition Leader Khursheed Shah. During the meeting, Qureshi informed Shah that the PTI had proposed the name of Justice (retd) Nasir Aslam Zahid for CEC.

The Supreme Court has set a November 13 deadline for the government to appoint a new CEC. Khursheed Shah has been holding meetings with opposition parties and is hopeful that a new CEC will be appointed before the Supreme Court deadline expires.

Names proposed for the CEC include Justice (retd) Rana Bhagwandas, Justice (retd) Tassaduq Hussain Jilani, Justice (retd) Tariq Pervaiz, Justice (retd) Nasir Aslam Zahid and Justice (retd) Mian Ajmal.