ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Tuesday said that if a permanent Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) was not appointed by December 05, then the court would consider on Dec 8 the issuance of notices against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Syed Khursheed Shah.
A three-member bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice Nasirul Mulk, was hearing the case pertaining to the appointment of a permanent CEC.
During the hearing, Attorney General Salman Butt was unable to convince the court in writing that the CEC post would be filled by Dec 5.
Earlier on Monday, the court had directed Butt to provide assurance to the apex court on Tuesday that the appointment of a new CEC would be made before the court’s Dec 5 deadline expires.
AG apprised the court that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Leader of the Opposition Syed Khursheed Shah had held a meeting on Monday and a few names came under consideration; both had a consensus over a name as well and would soon agree on a name.
“The government is making serious efforts and we are close to the appointment,” he said, and appealed the court to grant more time.
The Supreme Court announced that it will initiate action against PM Nawaz and Shah if they fail to announce a new CEC by Dec 5.INP
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