ISLAMABAD: The high-level investigation committee of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has initiated an inquiry into the allegations against the former commissioner of Rawalpindi, Liaquat Ali Chattha.
The committee has taken the first step by requesting the transcript of Chattha’s recent press conference from the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA).
Six district returning officers (ROs) from Rawalpindi Division have already submitted written statements refuting the accusations made by the former commissioner. The committee plans to broaden its investigation to include statements from ROs across 13 constituencies of the National Assembly and 26 constituencies of the provincial assembly within the Rawalpindi Division.
The inquiry follows the unexpected resignation of Liaquat Ali Chattha on Saturday, citing election irregularities. In a press conference at Pindi Cricket Stadium, Chattha publicly admitted wrongdoing and called for accountability. His resignation and admission have sent shockwaves through the political landscape.
Chattha detailed the pressures he faced, including social media scrutiny and the expectations of overseas Pakistanis, which led him to contemplate suicide. However, he chose transparency, resigned from his post, and expressed readiness to face the consequences.
Responding to allegations against him, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa dismissed the claims as baseless and far from the truth. Speaking to a Youtuber outside the Supreme Court in Islamabad, CJP Isa emphasized the importance of providing evidence to support accusations, asserting everyone’s right to accuse but urging responsibility in making such claims.
