The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has taken a decisive step by summoning the principal secretary of the Prime Minister and the secretary of the Establishment Division for their failure to comply with ECP directives regarding the transfer of the Deputy Commissioner in Sheikhupura. This development is set to unfold on October 23, 2023, as the ECP seeks answers to the apparent violation of its instructions.
The key players in this unfolding drama are the Secretary to the Prime Minister, Dr. Touqeer Shah, and the Establishment Division Secretary, Inamullah. The Election Commission of Pakistan, in an official statement, has made it abundantly clear that the summons are to be issued in their personal capacities, indicating the seriousness of the matter.
The ECP’s decision comes in response to a pressing issue brought forward by the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP). The party has filed an application requesting the allotment of a symbol for the upcoming general elections, as specified under Rule 162 of the Election Act, 2017. However, what makes this matter particularly intriguing is the link between this symbol request and the alleged non-compliance with the ECP’s directives regarding the transfer of Sheikhupura’s Deputy Commissioner, Waqar Ali.
This move by the ECP reflects the pivotal role it plays in ensuring the fair and transparent conduct of elections in Pakistan. As the ultimate arbiter of electoral matters, the ECP’s decisions and directives hold immense significance in upholding the democratic process.
The ECP’s decision to summon the Prime Minister’s principal secretary and the Establishment Division secretary signifies its unwavering commitment to enforcing its directives. With the involvement of Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, Sindh member Nisar Ahmed Durrani, and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa member Justice (retd) Ikramullah Khan in the upcoming hearing, it is clear that this matter is being taken with the utmost seriousness.
The initial application filed by the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) for the allotment of a symbol for the general polls has set in motion a series of events that have now led to the summoning of high-ranking government officials. This underlines the critical role political parties play in upholding the electoral process by ensuring that rules and regulations are followed diligently.
The individuals in question, Dr. Touqeer Shah and Inamullah are expected to provide an explanation for their apparent non-compliance with the directives of the Election Commission of Pakistan. The focus of this inquiry will primarily revolve around why they failed to execute the transfer of Sheikhupura’s Deputy Commissioner, Waqar Ali, as instructed by the ECP. This case has raised serious questions about the responsibilities and accountabilities of government officials in ensuring that electoral processes are conducted in a fair and transparent manner.