Former commissioner of Rawalpindi, Liaquat Ali Chattha, has recorded his statement regarding his allegations of rigging in the recent elections, sources within the election commission confirmed.
The inquiry committee, chaired by ECP Sindh member Nisar Durrani, had issued a notice to Chattha yesterday, prompting his response to the accusations.
The investigation committee, operating under the leadership of Nisar Durrani, has been tasked with probing allegations of electoral irregularities levelled by Liaquat Chattha last week.
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Details surrounding the content of Chattha's statement have not been disclosed at this time. However, his cooperation with the inquiry committee indicates a willingness to address and clarify any concerns regarding the integrity of electoral procedures.
On February 17, Liaquat Ali Chattha resigned from his post amidst a flurry of startling revelations regarding electoral misconduct. In a series of dramatic statements, Chattha expressed remorse for his actions, citing shame and a desire for atonement.
Chattha expressed regret and remorse, stating that he feels ashamed of his actions and believes he should face severe consequences for his alleged misconduct.
He could be seen saying on video that he was deputed on election duty, but he was ashamed of his responsibilities. “I should be given the death penalty for the crime I have committed,” he says.
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He claimed that presiding officers were crying in front of him, adding that he surrendered himself to the police. He also claimed he attempted suicide after the Fajar prayers, as he did not want the incident of 1971 to be repeated.
“I am removing the burden of my own conscience,” Chattha said.
On February 19, the ECP's high-level investigation committee initiated its inquiry into the allegations raised by Chattha. Sources privy to the matter said that the committee took the initiative by reaching out to the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) to acquire the transcript of Chattha's recent press conference.
On the other hand, six district returning officers (ROs) from Rawalpindi Division have already furnished their written statements, categorically refuting the allegations levelled by the former commissioner.