ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry has accused opposition leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai of obstructing the constitutional process for appointing the chief election commissioner and members of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
Speaking to the media, Chaudhry alleged that Achakzai was not fulfilling his responsibilities in the appointment process.
He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had contacted Achakzai twice, but the opposition leader refused to meet him.
According to Chaudhry, Achakzai insisted that a meeting be arranged with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan.
“No constitutional office can be filled by a convicted person,” Chaudhry said.
Minister Warns of Emergency Rule in KP
Chaudhry also criticised Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Sohail Afridi over his reported refusal to cooperate with the federal government.
He alleged that Afridi had publicly stated that his government would not cooperate with the Centre.
The federal minister warned that such conduct could create circumstances for the imposition of emergency rule in the province.
He also cautioned Afridi that he would be responsible for the consequences if he did not change his approach.
Chaudhry claimed that the KP government had little or no administrative control in 12 districts.
He said Afridi had also been briefed on matters related to national security.
Federal Government Calls for Action Against Terrorism
The minister said the provincial government should take effective measures to tackle terrorism in KP.
“The situation is completely the opposite of what it should be: the federal government wants to take action, but the provincial government is refusing to cooperate,” he said.
Chaudhry said the federal government was ready to take action against terrorism but needed cooperation from the provincial administration.
Govt Rejects Threats to Islamabad
Chaudhry also said the government was taking all possible measures regarding the health of Imran Khan.
He warned that the federal government would not allow any attempt to march on or attack Islamabad “under any circumstances”.
The minister said the government would take steps to maintain law and order and protect the capital.
