KARACHI: The Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly, Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah, has said the PPP has reservations over the nomination of retired Justice Nasir Aslam Zahid for the post of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC).

Talking to a group of journalists at his residence here on Saturday, Mr Shah said there had been consensus among political parties on the nomination of retired Justice Rana Bhagwandas for the post, but following the latter’s refusal to accept the offer the consultation process had to be initiated again.

He said he would hopefully be able to propose a suitable name for the post before his departure to London on Sunday.

Read: PTI proposes Nasir Aslam for CEC job

The veteran PPP leader said he had so far discussed the matter with Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf vice-chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Awami National Party chief Asfandyar Wali Khan, PML-Q leader Chaudhry Pervez Elahi, Qaumi Watan Party chief Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao and some other leaders, adding that he would complete the consultation process by Sunday.

“I will also like to discuss the issue with Pakistan Awami Tehreek chief Dr Tahirul Qadri, but he is out of the country. I want Dr Qadri to contact me so that we may benefit from his views on the matter,” he added.

As an important opposition leader it was his responsibility to consult all the opposition parties before proposing a name for the CEC post, Mr Shah said.

“There has never been so much consultation in the country for nominating a person for the post of CEC,” he added.

Also read: Tassaduq Jillani, Tariq Pervez main contenders for CEC office

He said the Muttahida Qaumi Movement had suggested names of four persons for the post.

About the possibility of changes in the Sindh government, Mr Shah said he would like Syed Qaim Ali Shah to continue working as the chief minister.

About the situation in Thar, he said some 65 per cent of the needed civic facilities were available in the region, except for two tehsils which were very backward.

He said there was no justification for even a single death from famine in Thar, but the situation in the region should not be compared with other parts of the country.

Mr Shah said he expected general elections to be held in the country in 2017.

Published in Dawn, November 9th, 2014