The Election Commission of Pakistan's (ECP) high-level investigation committee on Monday initiated its inquiry into the allegations raised against the former commissioner of Rawalpindi, Liaquat Ali Chattha.
Sources privy to the matter said that the committee has taken the initiative by reaching out to the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) to acquire the transcript of Liaquat Ali 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 leveled by the former commissioner.
Furthermore, the committee plans to extend its scrutiny to encompass statements from ROs across 13 constituencies of the National Assembly and 26 constituencies of the provincial assembly within the Rawalpindi Division.
The inquiry stems from a series of startling events, notably former commissioner Liaquat Ali Chattha's resignation on Saturday, citing election irregularities.
Read here: Rawalpindi commissioner resigns over alleged election rigging
Addressing the media at Pindi Cricket Stadium, Chattha expressed remorse over his actions, acknowledging wrongdoing and advocating for accountability. "I have done injustice in Rawalpindi Division; I should be punished for it, along with others involved," he stated solemnly.
Chattha's resignation, coupled with his candid admission of guilt, has sparked a ripple effect across the political landscape. He recounted the pressures he faced, including social media scrutiny and the expectations of overseas Pakistanis, which led him to contemplate suicide.
However, he chose to confront the truth publicly, resigning from his post and vowing to face the consequences.
CJP Isa rejects election rigging allegations
In response to the allegations levelled by the former Rawalpindi commissioner against him, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa has said that anyone can make any accusations.
Speaking to a Youtuber outside the Supreme Court in Islamabad in an unprecedented move, the CJP said everyone has the right to accuse, but they should also provide evidence to back those allegations.
Calling the allegations baseless and far from truth, Justice Isa said tomorrow someone will accuse him of theft or murder.
