Election Commission of Pakistan Secretary Umer Hammed Khan resigned on Sunday almost a month before delayed general elections, a caretaker minister said, citing poor health.

“Don’t pay attention to rumours. The ECP secretary is really ill,” interim Information Minister Murtaza Solangi said in a post on X on Sunday. “We pray to Allah for his complete and speedy recovery.”

He also shared a press release of the ECP. Solangi’s clarification came after media while citing sources reported that Khan had stepped down from his position due to sickness.

Sources also added that the election secretary did not resign due to pressure from anyone.

The ECP statement said that the secretary was busy for the past few days. “Before this, he has been on medical rest. This time also if his health allowed he would soon perform his duties.”

The commission clarified that it was completely operational and there was no difficulty in performing duties. “In the absence of a secretary, two special secretaries of the commission are running the affairs,” it said.

It merits here to mention that Khan was appointed as ECP secretary in July 2021. Prior to this, he was food secretary. He has held important positions in the Ministry of Finance and Cabinet Division.

The operational matters of the ECP are fully the responsibility of the secretary.

The ECP secretary also performs the duty of monitoring transfers and appointments in the caretaker setup. It is also the duty of the secretary to prevent political interference in administrative affairs.