Pakistan: The Caretaker Minister for Information and Parliamentary Affairs, Murtaza Solangi, said on Monday, a Special Investigation Committee has been setup to probe the serious allegations of rigging in the 2024 general election, leveled by Liaquat Ali Chatha, former Commissioner of Rawalpindi.
Addressing the media after attending a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting, the Interim Minister called for patience as the investigation unfolds. He emphasized the importance of trusting the institutions and judicial processes, highlighting that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is actively investigating the alleged rigging.
Minister Solangi affirmed that the ECP conducted a fair, free, and peaceful election, fulfilling its responsibilities.
In response to inquiries, he explained that once the Election Commission releases the final list of successful candidates, the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs will prepare a summary for convening the new session of the National Assembly. Subsequently, a request will be made to the President to summon the session.
Chatha made headlines on Saturday when he openly admitted to involvement in rigging during the 2024 Pakistan general election after resigning from his post as Rawalpindi Commissioner. He further implicated the ECP and Chief Justice of Pakistan, Qazi Faez Isa, in the rigging. However, both the ECP and CJP dismissed these allegations as baseless.
These developments come amidst nationwide protests by political parties, including PTI, alleging that they were denied their mandate in the February 8 general elections due to rigging accusations.
In response to Chatha’s allegations, a spokesperson clarified that neither the ECP nor any of its officials instructed the Rawalpindi commissioner to alter election results under his jurisdiction. Commissioners of any division do not play a direct role in conducting elections, as they are neither District Returning Officers (DROs), Returning Officers (ROs), nor Presiding Officers (POs).
Following the press conference, Liaquat Ali Chattha was transferred, and Saif Anwar Jappa, the Director-General of Rawalpindi Development Authority, was given additional responsibilities.
