- Caretaker Info minister says ECP is fully functional and there is no crisis of any kind
ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) rebuffed reports about the resignation of its Secretary Omar Hamid Khan, informing the secretary was on medical leave.
In a clarification statement on Sunday, the spokesman to the electoral watchdog said that Omar Hamid was currently on medical leave due to health issues and will resume duties after his condition gets better.
Responding to rumors of resignation of the ECP Secretary, he said that the ECP’s work was being efficiently handled by the two Special Secretaries during the Secretary’s absence.
“Secretary Omar Hamid Khan was an intelligent and hardworking officer who has fulfilled his responsibilities admirably,” the spokesman added.
He further stated that the ECP was operating seamlessly, ensuring continuous functioning even on holidays, with its offices diligently engaged in their tasks.
The response came after sources claimed that Omar Hamid has resigned as Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) secretary, citing health issues.
Sources said Omar Hamid was hospitalized for new days in the recent past and he is currently being treated at his home.
The sources revealed that Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan has not yet accepted Khan’s resignation as the electoral body’s secretary.
Omar Hamid has over 30 years of experience in socio-economic analysis both on international and domestic issues. He is specialized in the political economies of developing countries.
Omar Hamid is well-versed in the dynamics of building a successful interactive relationship between the government and the development partners.
Omar Khan was posted ECP secretary in July 2021. A career bureaucrat, he has served as secretary of Ministry of National Food Security & Research, Ministry of Finance and Benazir Income Support Programme.
‘ECP fully functional, no crisis of any kind’
Meanwhile, Caretaker Minister for Information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi has said the Election Commission of Pakistan is fully functional and there is no crisis of any kind.
In a post on social media platform X, he urged the general public not to give any attention to rumors. Confirming the sickness of Secretary ECP Omar Hamid Khan, he prayed his early and complete recovery.
The Minister also shared a press release of the Election Commission, which states that Omar Hamid Khan is an intelligent and hardworking officer and is performing his responsibilities well. It further said Omar Hamid Khan has been facing some health issues for last few days. It added the secretary has been on medical leave in the past as well. The commission maintained that Omar Hamid Khan would soon resume his responsibilities if his health allows.
The ECP underlined that the commission is fully functional and there is no impediment or problem to this respect. The ECP and its offices are doing their job even during vacations. It said both the two special secretaries of the commission are running affairs of the ECP in the absence of the Secretary.
