In a surprising turn of events, a former senior bureaucrat who previously accused 13 candidates from Rawalpindi of winning elections through forceful means has retracted his statements, citing inducement from former Prime Minister Imran Khan's party. Liaquat Ali Chattha, the former Commissioner of Rawalpindi, admitted to fabricating the allegations after being promised a lucrative position by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.
In a statement issued to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), Chattha expressed remorse for his actions and acknowledged his willingness to face legal consequences. He revealed that his allegations were coordinated with the PTI leadership, who assured him of future benefits in exchange for supporting their narrative of election rigging and maligning state institutions.
Chattha disclosed that he clandestinely met with a PTI leader in Lahore after the February 8 elections, where he was offered incentives to propagate false narratives. Initially considering submitting a written resignation containing fabricated claims, Chattha later agreed to hold a press conference as per the PTI's instructions to generate sensationalism and advance their agenda.
Furthermore, Chattha confessed that he was coerced into implicating Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa and Chief Election Commissioner Sikander Sultan Raja to sow distrust among the public and undermine the electoral process.
His retraction has stirred controversy, with opposition parties condemning the PTI's alleged attempts to manipulate the elections. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) accused the PTI of tarnishing Pakistan's image and attempting to create controversy. Meanwhile, Imran Khan's PTI is yet to respond to Chattha's revelations.
The timing of Chattha's allegations coincided with nationwide protests by the PTI, alleging electoral fraud and theft of their mandate. The Election Commission of Pakistan has initiated an investigation into the matter, while firmly refuting the accusations against the Chief Election Commissioner.
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