- SC’s statement did not disclose identities of complainants, although PTI had filed it
ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) dismissed all complaints filed against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja and two members of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), Nisar Ahmad Durrani and Shah Muhammad Jatoi.
The SJC released its decision on the Supreme Court’s official website on complaint Nos532/2021, 557/2022, and 563/2022, which were submitted against the CEC and two ECP members.
Although the council did not disclose the identities of the complainants in its published decision, these were reportedly filed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), alleging irregularities and rigging during the general elections.
The council reviewed the complaints during its meetings held on November 8, 2024, and December 13, 2024.
This dismissal comes at a time of heightened political tension over the credibility of the electoral process, with opposition parties frequently raising concerns about the impartiality of the ECP.
According to the Constitution, only the SJC is authorized to hear and adjudicate cases of alleged misconduct involving the CEC and ECP members. The latest ruling effectively exonerates CEC Sikandar Sultan Raja and the two members of all allegations brought against them.
While Sikandar Sultan Raja has completed his constitutional term, under the provisions of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, he will continue to serve until a successor is appointed.
In this regard, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif wrote to Opposition Leader Omar Ayub on June 4, 2025, initiating consultations for the appointment of a new CEC and two ECP members, whose terms have also expired.
According to the constitutional procedure, both the prime minister and the opposition leader are required to propose three names each.
If consensus cannot be reached, the issue is referred to a parliamentary committee for final consideration.
