The Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) has dismissed all complaints filed against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja and two members of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), Nisar Ahmad Durrani and Shah Muhammad Jatoi.
According to a verdict published on the Supreme Court’s official website, the decision pertains to complaint Nos. 532/2021, 557/2022, and 563/2022, which were heard during SJC meetings on November 8 and December 13, 2024. The complaints — reportedly filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) — alleged irregularities and rigging in the general elections. However, the court’s statement did not disclose the identities of the complainants.
The ruling comes amid heightened political debate over the credibility of the electoral process. The SJC, under the Constitution, is the sole authority to adjudicate cases of alleged misconduct involving the CEC and ECP members. The decision effectively exonerates Raja, Durrani, and Jatoi of all allegations.
While Sikandar Sultan Raja has completed his constitutional term, the 26th Constitutional Amendment allows him to continue until a successor is appointed. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has already written to Opposition Leader Omar Ayub on June 4, 2025, to initiate consultations for the appointment of a new CEC and two members whose terms have also expired.
As per constitutional procedure, both the prime minister and opposition leader will propose three names each, and if consensus is not reached, the matter will be referred to a parliamentary committee for final decision.