Amidst a cloud of controversy and electoral misconduct allegations, Liaquat Ali Chatta, the Commissioner of Rawalpindi, has been removed from his post on Saturday.
The decision to relieve Chatta of his duties comes amid heightened scrutiny and allegations of impropriety.
Following Liaquat Ali Chatta’s removal, the Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi, DG RDA Saif Anwar, has been entrusted with additional responsibilities as Commissioner Rawalpindi.
Earlier today, Chattha had resigned from his post amidst a flurry of startling revelations regarding electoral misconduct. In a series of dramatic statements, Chattha expressed remorse for his actions, citing shame and a desire for atonement.
Chattha expressed regret and remorse, stating that he feels ashamed of his actions and believes he should face severe consequences for his alleged misconduct.
He can be seen saying on video that he was deputed on election duty, but he was ashamed of his responsibilities. “I should be given the death penalty for the crime I have committed,” he says.
He claimed that presiding officers were crying in front of him, adding that he surrendered himself to the police. He also claimed he attempted suicide after the Fajar prayers, as he did not want the incident of 1971 to be repeated.
“I am removing the burden of my own conscience,” Chattha says.
"Converting a 70,000-vote lead into a defeat weighs heavily on me. I feel like I've betrayed our country—it keeps me up at night," said Liaquat Ali Chattha.
— SAMAA TV (@SAMAATV) February 17, 2024
He further added, "I will accept punishment for my actions, as should others".#SamaaTV pic.twitter.com/BW8kJgi8p4
He also makes some startling claims that 14 MNAs who were winning from Rawalpindi division were eventually pronounced defeated. “We turned a lead of 70,000 into a defeat,” he alleges, adding that his backstabbing to the country wasn’t letting him sleep.
He says he is involved in illegally making 14 candidates win, hence he had no right to live. “Those who were losing on election night were made to win in the morning.”
“I want to die a peaceful death, I must be punished for cruelty,” he remarks, adding that others should also meet the same fate. “I apologize to my returning officers.”
🔊 Breaking News 🚨: Commissioner Rawalpindi Liaquat Ali Chatha resigns over election rigging#SamaaTV #News #LiaqatAliChattha #commissionerrawalpindi #Elections2024 pic.twitter.com/INgIvxn8lO
— SAMAA TV (@SAMAATV) February 17, 2024
Chattha alleges that leads of 70,000 votes were turned into defeats using fake stamps, and then alleged that Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, the election commission, and Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa were involved in the rigging, opening a whole new Pandora’s Box. He also said that along with him, these officials should also step down.
The commissioner further alleges that even today, people were placing fake stamps, adding: “I have wronged the entire nation.” Chattha also alleges being severely pressured to take illegal actions, and apologizes to the nation.
