Rawalpindi, Pakistan (Khyber Mail): In a stunning turn of events, Rawalpindi Commissioner Liaquat Ali Chattha has stepped down from his position following allegations of election manipulation during the February 8 polls. His resignation comes as a seismic shock to the political landscape, revealing the inner workings of a system that has long faced scrutiny.
- Key Details:
- Admission of Responsibility: Chattha, addressing reporters at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, openly acknowledged his role in rigging the election results. He stated, “I accept responsibility for rigging the election 2024.”
- Pressure and Contemplation: The commissioner revealed that he faced immense pressure, to the point where he contemplated taking his own life. However, he ultimately chose to bring the matter to light.
- Appeal to Bureaucracy: In a plea to fellow bureaucrats, Chattha implored them not to engage in any wrongdoing on behalf of politicians. His words underscore the delicate balance between duty and integrity.
- Political Fallout: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) party swiftly responded, calling for the immediate resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner. The PTI alleges massive rigging in both National Assembly (NA) and Provincial Assembly (PP) seats.
- Divided Verdict: The February 8 elections delivered a split verdict, with PTI-backed independent candidates dominating the results. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) claims to have enough numbers to form the government, bolstered by some independents who joined their ranks post-polls.
Chattha’s resignation marks a critical moment in Pakistan’s electoral history, shedding light on the complexities and challenges faced by those entrusted with maintaining the integrity of the democratic process. As the nation grapples with the aftermath, questions about transparency, accountability, and the role of bureaucracy loom large.