Omar Hamid reappointed as ECP secretary

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has reappointed Omar Hamid Khan as its secretary for a two-year period.

A notification issued on Thursday stated that Khan, a retired BS-22 officer of the Secretariat Group, had been reemployed as secretary for a two-year term in the public interest, in accordance with Rules 8 & 11 of the Election Commission (Officers and Servants) Rules, 1989.

This development follows the resignation of the incumbent secretary, Syed Asif Hussain, who was appointed in January of this year due to health issues.

The notification regarding Hussain’s resignation cited that the officer tendered resignation “on account of poor health condition”. Hussain had assumed the additional responsibility of ECP secretary following Omar Hamid Khan’s resignation in January.

Sources indicate that Khan has been reappointed as ECP secretary based on his previous record. He has previously held significant positions in various ministries, serving as secretary of the Benazir Income Support Programme, special secretary of the Ministry of Finance, and secretary of the Ministry of Food Security.

When Khan tendered his resignation in January, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikander Sultan Raja suggested he take a leave instead of quitting the job.

However, Khan expressed his inability to continue the job due to his ill health, and the CEC accepted his resignation on January 16, 2024.

It is noteworthy that previously, Omar Hamid Khan was granted a one-year job extension in recognition of his excellent performance.