The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has robustly refuted the accusations leveled by the Rawalpindi commissioner regarding purported interference in election results, categorically denying any involvement by the ECP officials or the chief election commissioner in altering election outcomes.
An official statement issued by the ECP spokesperson emphatically stated that no election commission member had issued any directive or instruction to the Rawalpindi commissioner to manipulate election results.
The ECP reiterated its commitment to conducting a prompt and thorough inquiry into the allegations to ascertain the veracity of the claims made by the commissioner. Moreover, the commission clarified that commissioners of any division do not hold direct authority over the election process, as they do not serve as district returning officers, returning officers, or presiding officers.
Simultaneously, a senior official from the Rawalpindi police department has rebuffed reports suggesting the commissioner’s arrest, asserting that formal legal procedures, including registering a first information report, are requisite before making any arrests.
These developments underscore the Election Commission’s dedication to upholding the transparency and integrity of the electoral process. The pledge to conduct an impartial inquiry underscores the ECP’s commitment to ensuring accountability and fairness in all electoral proceedings.
Conversely, caretaker Punjab Information Minister Amir Mir has underscored the need for a thorough investigation into the allegations made by Liaquat Ali Chattha. Mir has highlighted the potential presence of a conspiracy behind the commissioner’s statements and has raised concerns about the commissioner’s mental state, alluding to statements about suicide and hanging.
Mir has further suggested that the possibility of the commissioner’s arrest is being considered, emphasizing the need to understand the motives and agenda behind his statements. These remarks reflect the seriousness with which the government views the allegations and its commitment to uncovering the truth behind the commissioner’s claims.
