K-P govt silent as ECP demands action

Caretaker set-up has not responded in eight days

PESHAWAR:

The caretaker government of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has remained mysteriously silent and is yet to respond to the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) letter urging the immediate removal of ministers, advisers, and special assistants engaged in political activities, to ensure a free and fair electoral process in the province.

Despite eight days passing since the letter was issued, no decision has been taken by the caretaker government. Meanwhile, sources from the ECP have asserted that the caretaker government is obligated to implement the directives outlined in the letter.

On July 31, the ECP had taken note of the involvement of certain members of the caretaker cabinet of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in political matters, prompting it to write a letter to the caretaker chief minister on July 31.

The letter called for the dismissal of ministers involved in politics to ensure transparency and fairness in future elections.

“The ECP desires you to review the appointments of interim cabinet members and immediately de-notify those ministers, advisers, and special assistants involved in politics, while keeping the cabinet members at a minimum. This is crucial to guarantee free, fair, and transparent elections,” stated the letter addressed to KP Chief Minister Mohammad Azam Khan.

The electoral watchdog stressed its obligation, as outlined in Article 218(3) of the Constitution, to organise and conduct elections in an impartial and transparent manner. It emphasised that the caretaker government plays a vital role in ensuring a level playing field for all stakeholders, including political party candidates, enabling them to exercise their capacities without hindrance.

It expressed regret over receiving information via media and other sources about the appointment of ministers, advisers, and special assistants in the interim cabinet based on political affiliations. The letter cited specific instances, including former minister Shahid Khattak, who was observed engaging explicitly in political activities and subsequently resigned from his post following the commission’s notice.

The ECP deemed such behavior by ministers and functionaries as contrary to the spirit of the caretaker government, the Constitution, and the Elections Act 2017.

The letter urged the caretaker government to take immediate action.

However, eight days have elapsed without any decision or response from the caretaker government as it remains silent on the issue.

However, it is pertinent to note that the government did confirm receiving the commission’s letter.

In an attempt to gather the caretaker government’s stance on the matter, attempts were made to contact spokesperson Barrister Feroze Jamal, but no position about the government was shared despite repeated attempts.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, August 8^th, 2023.