The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Thursday has rejected the petition asking the removal of the caretaker Federal Minister for Privatization and Inter-Provincial Coordination, Fawad Hasan Fawad from his post.
Opposing to the petition, the ECP passed a decision that the official would remain in his position. The petition was filed in the month of October asking the removal of ‘biased’ members of the federal cabinet to ensure the conduct of free and fair election in February, 2024.
The verdict of the electoral watchdog came days after the ECP ordered for the removal of Adviser to the Prime Minister on the Establishment Ahad Cheema from his post in the same case.
Fawad was principal secretary to the former Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, while Cheema was aide to Shehbaz Sharif when the latter was premier.
The ECP, in the shorter order issued during the last week, said that the request of petitioner for Cheema to be removed was “reasonable and is accepted” on the basis that the latter was part of the previous government and could thus “influence the holding of free and fair elections” if he continued in his post.
The ECP had released directions that Cheema be removed from his post and ordered the Cabinet Division secretary to immediately issue the notification in this regard.
The petition had noted that transparency of elections was not possible because of the certain persons being in the caretaker government.
At the same time, the petition added that, “If the government wants a transparent elections, these people should be removed from their posts.”
Meanwhile, the ECP, while pronouncing its verdict, stated that, “Fawad’s role could not exert influence on the elections.”
The watchdog noted that the respondent’s role as a minister for privatisation did not have a significant impact on the electoral process.
The ECP observed that Fawad had previously held government positions, suggesting that the plea against him appeared to stem from a “personal vendetta”.
