ECP orders removal of govt officials
The Election Commission of Pakistan has issued a formal letter to the caretaker Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister Muhammad Azam Khan, ordering the removal of several ministers, assistants, and advisers who are actively involved in political activities.
As per the ECP's order, all ministers, assistants, and advisers who hold dual roles in politics and government should be immediately de-notified from their positions.
This move comes amid speculations of the country finally heading towards polls, raising hopes for the culmination of a longstanding political crisis.
According to the letter, “It has come to the notice of the Commission that the caretaker cabinet was appointed on the basis of political affiliations, an example of which is the case of former caretaker minister Shahid Khattak.”
It added, “Apart from this, other ministers have admitted their party affiliations to the media. Shahid Khattak has resigned from his post.”
The behavior of some ministers, advisers, special assistants and others is against the Elections Act 2017.
The letter stated that the Election Commission requested that such ministerial advisers and special assistants be removed from their posts.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 1st, 2023.