The court said that in case the government fails to appoint a permanent Chief Election Commissioner by the given deadline, the acting election commissioner would return to his Supreme Court duties and the CEC's post would be rendered vacant. A three-member bench of apex court headed by Chief Justice, Justice Nasirul Mulk was hearing the case. During the hearing, the federal government pleaded with the court for more time to name the CEC. The deadline given for the appointment of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) by the Supreme Court ended on November 13(Thursday) whereas government and the opposition failed to evolve consensus over any name.
Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP), Salman Aslam Butt appeared before the court and said that the government had finalised three names after consultations with the opposition a couple of days ago, however, former Justice Rana Bhagwandas and former Justice Tasadduq Hussain Jilani excused themselves from accepting the post. The AGP appealed the court to grant more time till the end of December but the court granted 11 more days to the government and set November 24 deadline for the appointment of CEC.
After former Justice Rana Bhagwandas and former Chief Justice Tasadduq Hussain Jilani declined the offer, consultation is being carried out over the name of former Justice Tariq Pervez. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Jamat-e-Islami (JI) had given the name of former Justice Nasir Aslam Zahid. Government and opposition leader could not have an agreement over his name. The deadline for appointment of CEC at first was October 28 that was revised and extended to November 13 after opposition leader Khursheed Shah's request.