ECP panel seeks transcript of Chatha’s presser

A high-level probe panel, formed by the country’s polls oversight authority on Sunday to investigate the allegations of mass rigging in Rawalpindi division, has started its proceedings.

According to sources in the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), the committee, in its first meeting on Monday, directed the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) to submit a transcript of Rawalpindi division’s former commissioner Liaquat Ali Chatha's explosive press conference.

Chatha sent shockwaves through the country on Saturday by claiming that massive rigging took place in all 13 National Assembly constituencies of Rawalpindi under his watch in the February 8 elections.
Taking responsibility for what he termed a “heinous crime”, Chatha implicated not only himself but also accused the chief election commissioner and the chief justice of Pakistan of complicity.

In a stunning admission, Chatha announced his intention to surrender to the authorities, acknowledging his role in tampering with the electoral outcome by turning the tables and flipping losers into winners.
A day after the incident, the ECP announced the formation of a high-level committee to probe the allegations. On Monday, the six district returning officers (DROs) of Rawalpindi division submitted their written statements to the committee.

According to sources, the committee will record testimonies of the returning officers (ROs) from the 13 NA constituencies. Additionally, the special committee will seal the statements of the ROs from 26 Punjab Assembly constituencies that fall within Rawalpindi.

Meanwhile, Caretaker Minister for Information Murtaza Solangi stated that the ECP has launched a probe into the claims made by Rawalpindi's former commissioner. “We should trust our institutions and system. While legal action is ongoing, we should wait,” he said while talking to the media in Islamabad.

Speaking about the formation of a new government at the center, Solangi said that as soon as the final list of successful candidates in the elections is issued, a summary will be sent to the prime minister for convening a session of the National Assembly.

“After approval from the prime minister, a request will be made to the president for calling a session of the National Assembly,” he said, adding that the caretaker government has fulfilled its responsibilities.