ISLAMABAD, July 13: The government on Friday appointed senior jurist Justice (retd) Fakhruddin G. Ebrahim as the Chief Election Commissioner to fill a post which has been lying vacant for four months.

No political party has so far said anything against the appointment of Mr Ebrahim.

President Asif Ali Zardari, on the advice of Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf, assented to the appointment at a special signing ceremony held at the Presidency.

The Parliamentary Committee on Appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner had unanimously agreed last week on the nomination of Justice Ebrahim.

Accordingly, the ministry of parliamentary affairs requested the prime minister to advise the president to approve the nomination.

After the appointment, the president was quoted by his spokesman Farhatullah Babar as saying: “The appointment of a consensus CEC will enhance confidence in elections and the electoral process which is critical element for political stability and orderly transfer of power.”

The president felicitated members of the Parliamentary Committee for reaching unanimity on the name of Justice Ebrahim and demonstrating political maturity at this critical time when the appointment of a consensus CEC was of utmost importance for elections’ credibility.

Mr Zardari also felicitated Justice Ebrahim and said his nomination by all political parties reflected his standing and confidence imposed in him.

The president also said that the appointment of a consensus Chief Election Commissioner would contribute to political stability in the country.”

Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kiara said that the consensus showed that political forces were united on national issues.

“All institutions are in cohesion in resolving issues confronting the country,” he said.

Replying to a question he said elections would be held on time in accordance with the Constitution.

Opposition party leaders Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan and Pervez Rashid also welcomed the appointment of Mr Ebrahim.

Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaaf Chairman Imran Khan also welcomed the appointment of Jutsice Ebrahim and said he was the best choice for the post.

Mr Khan said in a statement that elections held under his supervision would be fair and transparent.