ECP appoints secy as Hamid goes on medical leave

The Election Commission of Pakistan on Monday appointed Syed Asif Hussain to look after the affairs of the electoral body’s secretary after Omar Hamid went on medical leave.

According to a notification issued by the ECP, Hussain, working as the special secretary at the ECP Secretariat, was assigned the additional charge of the post of secretary (BS-22) during the absence of Hamid with immediate effect and until further orders.

Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja approved the decision.

The development came a day after television channels and media reports alleged Hamid had stepped down from his post due to health concerns.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the ECP had put to rest the speculation, saying Hamid would shortly resume his responsibilities if his health permitted him to do so, adding that the commission was fully functional and there was no hindrance in the way of its work.

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Caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi had also said there was no crisis and the ECP was fully functional.

Meanwhile, sources said Hamid had health problems, adding that he was hospitalised for a few days but came home due to a scare of further infection.

A retired Grade 22 officer of the Secretariat Group, Hamid was appointed the ECP secretary in July 2021 on a two-year contract, which expired last year and was extended for another year.

He had earlier served as the secretary of finance, Benazir Income Support Programme, and National Food Security among other important posts. Hamid had also served as a spokesperson for the interior minister, when Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan was at the helm of affairs.