Liaquat Chatha, the former Commissioner of Rawalpindi, retracted accusations of election rigging for the 2024 general elections on Thursday, issuing an apology to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
Liaquat Chatha recorded his statement before the ECP’s investigation committee and acknowledged the pressure from impending retirement as a factor in his previous claims.
Chatha confirmed his non-involvement in directing or influencing any Returning Officer’s actions throughout the election. He expressed remorse over his earlier statements, attributing them to concerns over retirement benefits after a 32-year career, with retirement slated for March 13, 2024.
The ex-commissioner also admitted to relationships with a political party official for prospective benefits, detailing secret assistance and a clandestine meeting in Lahore on February 11 to plan unfounded rigging claims. Despite the scheme, Chatha held a press conference, driven by doubts about the allegations’ impact.
He further disclosed that the strategy, including naming the Chief Justice to incite public discord, had the backing of the political party’s senior leadership, aligning with their protest strategy. Chatha clarified he had received no rigging directives from any party, including the ECP, and apologized to government employees for his baseless allegations.
