ISLAMABAD: Rejecting the government’s request seeking additional time for the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), the Supreme Court on Monday withdrew the nomination of acting CEC Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali.

“The Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan Mr. Justice Nasir-ul-Mulk has withdrawn the nomination of Hon’ble Mr. Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali, Judge, Supreme Court of Pakistan as acting Chief Election Commissioner of Pakistan” with effect from December 5 2014, said a press release issued from the apex court.

Justice Jamali was sworn in as the acting CEC in July after then-acting CEC Justice Nasirul Mulk took over as the Chief Justice of Pakistan.

The apex court’s decision puts further pressure on the government to appoint by Dec 1 a permanent CEC in consultation with the opposition, after the court rejected its request to extend the deadline.

Earlier today, a three-member bench of the apex court, headed by Justice Nasirul Mulk, heard the case pertaining to the delay in holding local body elections.

The apex court said that the government had failed to fulfil its responsibility of appointing a new CEC within the stipulated deadline.

Examine: Govt may seek more time for CEC’s appointment

During today's hearing, Attorney General Salman Aslam Butt requested the court to extend the deadline for appointing a new CEC, saying that Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Syed Khursheed Shah was out of country on account of medical treatment due to his ill health and therefore unable to hold discussions with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif over the appointment. He said the matter would be discussed upon his arrival.

CJ Nasirul Mulk said that the matter could be discussed over the phone, adding that the opposition leader's presence was not necessary.

Justice Gulzaar Ahmed expressed concern as to why more time was required in the past if the team could not deliver.

He further added that the appointment of a CEC is a one-day process which had been prolonged for too long.

The court also said that it would issue notices to PM Nawaz and Khursheed Shah for failing to honour the deadline in the next hearing of its case which was adjourned to December 1.

Previously, the government had submitted a petition for the deadline to be extended till the 24th of November, which was the third deadline to appoint a commissioner but were unable to commit.

Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali was made the acting Chief Election Commissioner in July and Chief Justice Nasirul Mulk had said that Justice Jamali would be removed and asked to continue his services in court, if the government continues to show ineptitude in this matter.

Take a look: PM, Shah likely to finalise CEC appointment on phone