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The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) established a high-level committee to investigate allegations made by former Rawalpindi Commissioner Liaquat Ali Chatha regarding election rigging. The committee, led by a senior ECP member, began its inquiry by recording statements from District Returning Officers (DROs) and Returning Officers (ROs) from 13 National Assembly constituencies and 26 provincial assembly constituencies in the Rawalpindi division.

Investigation progress and submissions

According to sources, the committee also received a transcript of Chatha's press conference from the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), where he accused the ECP and Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa of involvement in the alleged rigging. DROs and ROs provided written statements to the committee as part of the ongoing investigation. The committee has commenced compiling its report, scheduled for submission to the ECP imminently.

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Calls for resignation and denial of accusations

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) intensified its demand for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja, holding him responsible for purported failures during the 2024 general elections. PTI leader Imran Khan urged an inquiry into Chatha's claims and the conduct of the February 8 elections. Khan argued that CEC Raja's resignation would facilitate an impartial investigation into the reported irregularities.

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Chatha's allegations stirred controversy, implicating himself and accusing the ECP and Chief Justice Isa of complicity in election manipulation, allegations promptly denied by both institutions. The ECP clarified that neither the commission nor its officials instructed Chatha to tamper with election results, emphasizing that commissioners do not play direct roles in electoral processes.

In response to Chatha's claims, he was transferred from his position, with Saif Anwar Jappa appointed as his replacement. The ECP reiterated its commitment to conducting transparent and fair elections, affirming its independence from external interference or influence.