ECP Acts on Concerns: Initiates Hearing Against Cabinet Members Over Alleged Ties, Fawad Hasan Fawad Next in Line.
ISLAMABAD: In a move to uphold the principles of free and fair elections, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) issued a significant order on Tuesday, directing the removal of Adviser to the Prime Minister on Establishment, Ahad Cheema, from office. The decision comes as part of the ECP’s mandate to ensure the impartiality and transparency of the upcoming general elections scheduled for February 8, 2024.
Ahad Cheema, a member of the caretaker government appointed to oversee the country’s affairs until the elections, faced removal in accordance with the Constitution, which grants the ECP the authority to hire or dismiss cabinet members of the interim government to safeguard the electoral process. The ECP had previously taken similar actions in August, removing members of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet for their active involvement in politics.
The decision followed a petition filed by Advocate Syed Aziz Uddin Kaka Khel on September 29 against Cheema and another caretaker federal cabinet member, Fawad Hasan Fawad, whose hearing is scheduled for December 21. The petition underscored concerns about the individuals’ close ties with former Prime Minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz President Shehbaz Sharif.
The ECP’s order emphasized the correctness of the petition seeking Cheema’s removal, stating that his continued presence in office could potentially influence the general elections. As a former part of the previous government, Cheema’s removal was deemed essential to maintain the integrity of the electoral process.
More From Daily The Destination: ECP issues guidelines for nomination papers submission: Hey highlights
The recent clarity provided by the Supreme Court has dispelled confusion surrounding the elections, firmly closing any avenues for delay. With the polling program now released, the ECP is set to commence the acceptance of nomination papers from prospective candidates on December 20. As the electoral body swears in district returning officers and returning officers, Pakistan braces for a crucial general election, confident in the measures taken to uphold the democratic values enshrined in its constitution.
