Islamabad: The possible meeting between Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif and opposition leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai has raised hopes among many circles.

The talks are likely to encompass meetings with PTI founder, appointment of chief election commissioner and 2 members and other matters.

As per sources meeting can pave way for new appointments. Several key issues including meeting with PTI founder, political stability and measures to curb new wave of terrorism in the country are likely to figure in meeting.

Headway can be made regarding appointment of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and two members of Election Commission (EC).

The tenure of service of CEC and two members of EC has expired since the last one year. But the process of their appointment has not started due to conflict between government and opposition. The process of appointments against these key posts can be restarted.

It is pertinent to mention here the constitutional 5 years tenure of CEC Sikandar Sultan Raja and two members of Sindh and Balochistan has ended on January 26., 2025 and under the constitution the new appointments were to be made within 45 days upto March 12, 2025. But the process of new appointments has not been started so far despite lapse of one year.

It is pertinent to mention here one new provision was included in 26th constitutional amendment by the government that the existing CEC and two members will retain their posts till the appointment of their alternatives . Due to it Sikandar Sultan Raja and two members are performing their service on adhoc basis still.

The experts say there is good opportunity that opposition and government appoint new CEC and members with consensus in impartial manner.

PTI has demanded of government to constitute parliamentary committee forthwith and start appointment process so that credibility of EC is restored and transparency is ensured in future polls.