CEC Sikandar Sultan is yet to accept secretary’s resignation, sources say
ISLAMABAD: Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) Secretary Omar Hamid Khan has resigned from his post citing health issues, sources said Geographic news on Sunday.
Sources revealed that Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan is yet to accept Khan’s resignation as secretary of the electoral body.
This comes just weeks before the general elections scheduled for February 8, amid accusations of a lack of level playing field by key political players, including the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP).
Earlier today, ECP Special Secretary Dr Syed Asif Hussain rejected the PTI’s allegation that it was not being given a level playing field to participate in election-related activities.
In a written reply submitted to the Supreme Court on the PTI’s petition seeking contempt proceedings against the electoral body, the ECP asked the top court to “dismiss the contempt petition with cost.”
The PTI petition sought contempt proceedings against the ECP secretary, inspectors general of police (IGP), chief secretaries of the four provinces and the home ministry secretary for “non-compliance” with the SC order passed on 22 December 2023.
Who is Omar Hamid Khan?
Khan, who is a retired Grade 22 officer of the Secretariat Group, assumed his responsibilities as ECP Secretary in July 2021 on contractual basis.
Previously, he also served as Special Secretary Finance, Secretary Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) and National Food Security, among other responsibilities.
Meanwhile, he also served as spokesperson for the Ministry of the Interior.
In July last year, CEC Raja extended the post of ECP secretary for one year.
The ECP secretary has more than 30 years of experience in socioeconomic analysis on both international and national issues.
Khan completed his Bachelor of Science in 1982 from Government College Lahore. Subsequently, he completed his Master of Science in Zoology in 1986 from Punjab University.
