LAHORE: Zaka Ashraf has requested the Lahore High Court (LHC) to ensure that the relevant authorities do not interfere with the election to his post as the Chairman of the Management Committee of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Do not follow orders.
In the petition, counsel for Zaka argued that the appointment of the petitioner as Chairman of the Management Committee was made on July 5, 2023 with the approval of the Cabinet.
The main responsibility of the petitioner was to monitor the upcoming elections of Board of Governors (BOG) and Chairman of PCB as per PCB Constitution.
The counsel further argued that this appointment is not related to the elections of the National and Provincial Assemblies, therefore the petitioner should not be subject to clause “G” of the notification dated 15th August 2023 issued by the Election Commission of Pakistan. . (ECP).
The contention of the petitioner’s counsel revolves around the Office Memorandum Note dated August 18, 2023, which was also written by the Secretary, Ministry of Inter-Provincial Co-ordination (IPC) and a former BOG member.
The controversy
As a result of the ongoing political developments in the country, Zaka Ashraf, who was recently appointed as the Chairman of the PCB Managing Committee, is facing removal from his post.
Historically, the position of PCB chairman has been influenced by political affiliations, often leading to changes in leadership based on changes in the political landscape.
Ashraf’s ascension to the role in July 2023 marks a departure from this tradition. Ashraf’s appointment was facilitated by the Pakistan People’s Party’s demand for his nominee to take over as PCB chairman, interrupting Sethi’s seven-month tenure.
The Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) has reportedly held talks with the PM’s office, identifying Ashraf as a political appointee targeted for removal as directed by the Election Commission.
Its purpose is to ensure a level playing field for the electoral process and eliminate any potential bias arising from political appointments.
The dynamics surrounding the transfer point to a possible shift in the selection process for the PCB chairman post, signaling a move away from the traditional political appointment process.
