RAWALPINDI: In a startling revelation, Commissioner Liaqat Ali of Rawalpindi Division has announced his resignation amidst allegations of election rigging during the general elections. Speaking at a press conference held at Pindi Cricket Stadium, Commissioner Ali admitted to manipulating election results to secure victories for 13 candidates who were trailing by a margin of 50,000 votes on the night of February 8.
Expressing remorse for his actions, Commissioner Liaqat Ali acknowledged the injustice inflicted upon Rawalpindi Division, stating, “I accept responsibility for the election rigging in Rawalpindi division, and I surrender myself to the police for my involvement.”
کمشنر راولپنڈی لیاقت علی چٹھہ کا اعتراف جرم، ہم نے راولپنڈی میں ہارے ہوئے امیدواروں کو جتایا، دھاندلی کی، ہزاروں کی لیڈ سے جیتنے والے امیدواروں کو ہرایا، مجھے کچہری چوک میں پھانسی دی جائے۔ کمشنر راولپنڈی #CommissionerRawalpindi #LiaquatAliChatta pic.twitter.com/Uwu4rD5XLj
— Syed Wiqas Shah ترمذی (@SyedWiqasAhmad1) February 17, 2024
Ali further revealed the immense pressure he faced from overseas Pakistanis and social media, confessing to contemplating suicide before deciding to reveal the truth. He expressed a desire for accountability, asserting that he should be punished alongside other responsible individuals, including the Chief Election Commissioner and Chief Justice of Pakistan.
Highlighting the reluctance of Returning Officers (ROs) to partake in the rigging, Commissioner Ali apologized to those under his supervision, acknowledging their reluctance to engage in unethical practices. He emphasized the need for justice and accountability in the electoral process, calling for the investigation and prosecution of all involved parties.
Commissioner Liaqat Ali’s resignation underscores the gravity of the election rigging scandal, raising questions about the integrity of the electoral process in Rawalpindi and the broader implications for democratic governance in Pakistan.