MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): Leader of the Opposition in AJK Legislative Assembly Shah Ghulam Qadir called on Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir Faisal Mumtaz Rathore on Wednesday, the government’s media department said.
According to the statement, both leaders discussed key political developments and matters of mutual interest, including the crucial appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC).
The meeting focused on the ongoing consultation process for the nomination of the new CEC. Both leaders agreed that consultations will be held with all political parties within a week, after which a final name for the post will be sent.
Both the leaders mutually affirmed that the upcoming general elections in AJK will be held on time, the statement added.
They also expressed commitment that the government and the opposition will perform their respective responsibilities regarding making the elections free, fair, and impartial.
The meeting came two days after Opposition Leader Shah Ghulam Qadir wrote to the Prime Minister, urging immediate consultation on the CEC appointment.
In the letter, the opposition leader stated that Article 50(4) of the Interim Constitution 1974 requires that the Leader of the Opposition be consulted for the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner.
The opposition leader requested the premier to initiate the consultation process on an immediate basis to fulfill the requirements of the constitutional consultation. “An urgent meeting should be called to consult on suitable names for the Chief Election Commissioner,” it stated.
