Pakistan: Commissioner Rawalpindi resigns, says recently held polls rigged under his watch

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A top Pakistan government official, Commissioner Rawalpindi, has resigned alleging that the results of the recently held elections were manipulated, Dawn newspaper reported.

Rawalpindi Commissioner Liaquat Ali Chattha has resigned from his office after claiming that the results of the February 8 elections were manipulated, the report said.

Speaking to reporters at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, he said there was "pressure" on him to the extent that he contemplated suicide today but then resolved to present matters before the public.

"It is my request to the entire bureaucracy to not do anything wrong for all these politicians," the Commissioner Rawalpindi added.

He alleged that "we gave a 50,000 lead to candidates who had lost the elections". The commissioner called for being "hanged" for "committing fraud" in the Rawalpindi division, reported Express Tribune.

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Sherry Rehman said that an investigation into serious allegations should take place. "The question arises that Rawalpindi commissioner's conscience woke up after 10 days," she said.

"The commissioner said that he was under social media and overseas Pakistanis' pressure," said the senator, adding that his allegations have raised questions on the elections of the entire district.

She said that the commissioner should also give proof of his allegations as he did not present any evidence. "He also blamed the chief justice which is beyond comprehension. The Election Commission should also explain what is going on," said the PPP leader.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has rejected the claims made by Chatha, stating that no official of the commission gave any direction to him regarding the manipulation of results.

According to a statement issued by the electoral authority, the commissioner of any division is neither a district returning officer, RO or presiding officer nor do they have any direct role in the conduct of an election.

"However, the Election Commission will conduct an inquiry into the matter as soon as possible," the notification read.

Following the bombshell claims, Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi took strict notice of the matter and ordered an impartial investigation into the allegations made by Rawalpindi Commissioner Liaquat Ali Chatta.

The CM directed to form a high-level committee to inquire into the allegations. He said that an independent inquiry will take place, adding that the facts will be brought to light.