Retired Officers
ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) dismissed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) claims of appointing retired officers as district returning officers (DROs) and returning officers (ROs) for the February 8 elections as baseless.
The ECP’s Media Coordination and Outreach Wing clarified that it has not made any such decisions, and media reports on the matter are misleading.
The ECP spokesperson stated that the commission is actively engaged in the ongoing process of appointing DROs and ROs, considering it crucial for ensuring free, fair, and impartial general elections. The commission is working to finalize updated lists and has requested provincial election commissioners to share relevant information.
PTI Secretary General Omar Ayub’s allegations of retired officers being appointed as DROs and ROs for pre-poll rigging prompted the ECP’s response. The commission emphasized its commitment to constitutional responsibilities and fair elections, with a focus on transparency and impartiality.
In a separate development, the PTI’s Core Committee issued a warning that the people would resist if their election mandate was stolen.
The committee emphasized the importance of fair elections for the supremacy of the Constitution, rule of law, democracy’s restoration and stability, and a peaceful transition of power. The party raised concerns about alleged state institutions’ interference in politics and a “brutal campaign of atrocities and revenge” against PTI leaders and workers.
The PTI urged the Supreme Court to take suo motu cognizance of what it perceives as discriminatory state actions against the party and ensure equal opportunities for all parties in the upcoming elections.
