EX-Rawalpindi Commissioner withdraws Poll Rigging Allegations, Blames PTI

Rawalpindi: The former Rawalpindi commissioner Liaquat Ali Chatha has retracted his earlier claims of election rigging in the 2024 polls, pointing fingers at the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for orchestrating the plot.

Days after his explosive press conference where he alleged widespread rigging and announced his resignation from the post, Chatha reversed his stance. In a statement, he confessed to his involvement in election manipulation in Rawalpindi Division, specifically implicating returning officers under his authority in tampering with results for 13 political candidates.

Chatha shifted blame onto Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja and Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa for the alleged rigging, surrendering himself to police for trial. His initial allegations had stirred controversy, prompting calls from various political parties, including PTI, for an investigation.

However, in a turn of events, Chatha retracted his accusations during a statement to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), revealing that his actions were at the behest of the PTI. He claimed to have a “close friendship” with a prominent PTI leader and admitted to detailed discussions with them before the press conference.

Read more: PTI demands immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner

According to Chatha, the primary objective of the press conference was to fabricate a false narrative in line with the PTI’s agenda. He clarified that the inclusion of Chief Justice Isa’s name was intended to sow mistrust among the public, asserting that the Chief Justice had no involvement in the election process.

Chatha’s reversal adds a new dimension to the controversy surrounding the allegations of election rigging, highlighting the complexities and political motivations at play. As the situation unfolds, questions arise regarding the integrity of the electoral process and the influence of political agendas on such sensitive matters.