ISLAMABAD: A special investigation committee formed by the Election Commission of Pakistan has concluded the process of recording statements from district returning officers (DROs) and returning officers (ROs) in Rawalpindi, prompted by the startling claims made by Commissioner Liaquat Ali Chatha.
Sources indicate that the committee wrapped up the statement recordings on Tuesday and is currently in the final stages of preparing a comprehensive report, slated to be presented to the commission on Wednesday.
In response to Chatha’s explosive allegations, a total of six DROs and the ROs under their jurisdiction submitted written statements, vehemently refuting any insinuations of electoral malpractice or external pressures. According to reliable sources, these officers portrayed the polling process as ‘peaceful and transparent,’ contradicting Commissioner Chatha’s assertions.
Additionally, the committee has acquired a transcript of Commissioner Chatha’s press conference from the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) for further scrutiny.
Commissioner Rawalpindi Liaquat Chatha, during a press conference on Saturday, claimed to have compelled returning officers under his authority to manipulate results for at least 13 Member of National Assembly (MNA) candidates in Rawalpindi Division.
He alleged that the winning candidates were intentionally made to appear as losers through the use of fabricated results, with the margin of manipulation reportedly reaching up to 50,000 votes. The unfolding investigation seeks to untangle the complexity of these allegations and determine the veracity of the claims made by Commissioner Chatha.
