In response to the resignation of Liaquat Ali Chatta, who candidly admitted to involvement in rigging during the General Elections 2024, the Caretaker Punjab government has taken prompt action by appointing a new Commissioner for Rawalpindi.
Following his resignation, Liaquat Ali Chatta, a grade-20 officer, has been instructed to report to the Services and General Administration Department (S&GAD). In his place, Saif Anwar, a 19th-grade officer who previously served as the Director General (DG) of Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), has been appointed as the new Commissioner of Rawalpindi.
The resignation of Liaqat Ali Chatha unfolded earlier in the day, with the Commissioner openly acknowledging his role in election rigging during a press conference. Chatha, taking full responsibility, surrendered to the police and revealed, “I accept responsibility for rigging the election 2024.” He confessed that under his supervision, candidates who were initially leading in their constituencies with over 70,000 votes were unjustly turned into losers through the use of fake seals.
Chatha’s admission also included an apology to his subordinates, recognizing the emotional toll placed on them when directed to carry out the rigging. This revelation has stirred controversy and prompted swift action from the Caretaker Punjab government, resulting in the appointment of Saif Anwar to assume the responsibilities of Commissioner Rawalpindi.
The incident sheds light on the ethical dilemmas and challenges surrounding the electoral process, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in maintaining the integrity of democratic procedures. The appointment of Saif Anwar signals a new chapter for Rawalpindi, with expectations of fostering a more transparent and accountable electoral system in the region.
