SC dismisses plea against appointment of Sikandar Sultan Raja as CEC

SC dismisses plea against appointment of Sikandar Sultan Raja as CEC

Islamabad (Web Desk): The Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday dismissed a petition challenging the appointment of Sikandar Sultan Raja as Chief Election Commissioner (CEC).

The two-member bench headed by acting Chief Justice Ata Bandial heard the case.

During the proceedings, the top court upheld objections raised by the Registrar Office on the petition of Advocate Ali Azeem Afridi.

Justice Bandial said the incumbent chief of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) was a retired civil servant and that there were no solid grounds provided in the plea for his dismissal.

The court asked if any serving judge was a part of the ECP. At this, the petitioner said that there were no serving judges in the ECP. Justice Bandial responded that then there was no need to pursue this matter.

The CJP stated that the CEC and NAB chairperson are not judicial officers.

"As per the Constitution, no constitutional amendment can be challenged. Still, we appreciate your efforts. You raised a constitutional point," he said.

According to the top court, the appointment of ECP members, including the CEC, was based on merit and competency.