Khursheed seeks end to jurist condition for CEC

ISLAMABAD: PPP stalwart and Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Syed Khursheed Shah on Tuesday proposed an amendment to the Constitution, paving way for senior bureaucrats and lawyers to head the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

“It is a mandatory requirement that the chief election commissioner (CEC) should be a retired judge, but I propose an amendment to the Constitution so that not only a retired judge but also senior bureaucrats and lawyers, could make it to the post,” said Khursheed while talking to media persons at the Parliament House.

He said limiting the post in question to a retired judge blocked other options and the clause concerned should be amended to do the needful.The PPP leader suggested a number of proposals for reforms in the electoral process.He also proposed a constitutional amendment for reducing the government’s constitutional term from five to four years. “Reducing the tenure to four years will resolve all issues,” he argued.

He further said once democracy took roots, the government’s term could be reverted to five years. Khursheed said he had proposed the constitutional amendments after much brainstorming and added that the amendments would accrue positive results.

Hamid Mir’s condition improving

KARACHI: The condition of Geo News senior anchor Hamid Mir is improving, while doctors have restricted visitors from meeting the renowned journalist for next three days.

According to hospital sources, Hamid Mir is in immense pain from his injuries and doctors are giving him medicine to deal with the pain. The medicine being given to Hamid Mir keeps him in a state of drowsiness, doctors add.

There has been no decision to remove the three bullets which still remain lodged in Hamid Mir’s body.

Musharraf’s mother in critical condition: sources

DUBAI: Former president General (retd) Pervez Musharraf’s mother is admitted to Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in a Sharjah hospital, where sources said that her condition is critical.

Doctors said that her treatment would continue in the ICU, the sources said.