ISLAMABAD: With around two-and-a-half months remaining until the retirement of the current Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja, those in power are already taking steps to appoint a successor who aligns with their interests.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is gathering recommendations for the new CEC. The list reportedly includes the recently retired Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, alongside other former judges and government officials.
Qazi Faez Isa is seen as the frontrunner for this influential role, largely due to his favorable connections with the military establishment and its appointed leadership, Aaj TV published this breaking news today while quoting its mother organization, daily Business Recorder.
The end of January will bring to a close the contentious tenure of the outgoing CEC, widely criticized for his role in handling the February 8, 2024, general elections. This election was marred by accusations of interference, with alleged manipulation of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) mandate to install what former Prime Minister Imran Khan called the “political dwarfs” led by the Sharifs.
If Qazi Faez Isa’s appointment goes through, it is expected to ignite strong opposition from the PTI, likely triggering protests against what they see as a biased decision.
A senior PTI official, speaking on condition of anonymity, warned that any attempt to appoint “a disgraced, biased, vengeful, and inconsequential figure” like Qazi Faez Isa would lead to severe political repercussions.
The official stated that those behind this “shameful and offensive plot” would face accountability, as the party plans to respond strongly to what it sees as an intolerable act.
“Let me be clear: we’re vigilant and ready. So long as we’re here, people like Qazi Faez Isa will struggle to escape the public’s judgment,” he said.
