In a shocking turn of events, Rawalpindi Commissioner Liaquat Ali Chatha has stepped forward with explosive revelations regarding the integrity of the recent general elections held on February 8. Chatha, who had been overseeing the electoral process, asserted that the results were tampered with under his watch, leading to manipulated outcomes. Taking full responsibility for the malpractice, he tendered his resignation from his position.
Addressing reporters outside the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Chatha didn’t mince words, stating, “I am taking responsibility for all this wrongdoing.” He went on to allege involvement from high-ranking officials, including the chief election commissioner and a senior judge from the Supreme Court, in the manipulation.
Detailing the extent of the tampering, Chatha disclosed how independent candidates, initially leading by substantial margins of 70,000-80,000 votes, were made to lose through the use of counterfeit stamps. In a handwritten letter addressed to key provincial authorities, Chatha expressed his deep involvement in what he termed as “mega election rigging” and announced his resignation from his post and service.
When pressed about the extent of irregularities, Chatha emphasized that the term “irregularities” hardly captured the magnitude of the misconduct. He lamented the betrayal of the country’s trust, stating that the weight of his actions kept him up at night and advocated for severe punishment for himself and others involved.
Chatha’s claims were met with swift responses from various quarters. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) vehemently refuted the allegations, asserting that no instructions were ever issued to Chatha to alter election results. Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi ordered an impartial inquiry into the matter, promising to bring forth the facts.
Meanwhile, reactions poured in from political circles, with the PML-N dismissing Chatha’s statements as a ploy for attention. However, PTI’s Khurrum Sher Zaman commended Chatha’s courage and urged other commissioners to come forward with similar revelations.
In the wake of Chatha’s resignation, rumors swirled regarding his potential arrest, but Rawalpindi police clarified that no such action had been taken yet, pending formal charges.
The unfolding saga has thrown the credibility of the electoral process into question, sparking calls for transparency and accountability across the board.
