Rawalpindi division’s DROs reject ex-boss’ charges, seek ECP inquiry

Newly-appointed Rawalpindi Commissioner Saif Anwar Jappa has rejected the allegations levelled by former commissioner Liaqat Ali Chattha about massive rigging in general elections 2024, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Sunday.  

After assuming his office, Saif, in a late-night press conference, claimed that clean and transparent elections were held as per the rules and regulations set by the Election Commission of Pakistan.

The district returning officers (DROs) belonging to Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Chakwal and Attock also joined the press conference to ratify the version of the new commissioner and reject the allegations of the former commissioner.

“We managed the general elections with honesty and performed duties and responsibilities without any pressure,” the DROs told the media.

All the DROs demanded the chief election commissioner complete probe of the allegations leveled by Chattha.

DROs Chakwal, Jehlum, Attock claimed that all the arrangements were made in transparent manners.

DRO Chakwal Quratul Ain said elections in Chakwal were conducted under the Election Act, and all processes adhered to the oath. She demanded an independent investigation into the allegations.

Similarly, DROs Attock and Jhelum, Rao Atif Raza, and Captain Sami also denied any pressure during the February 8 polls, asserting that the elections in their respective districts were conducted transparently.

DRO Talagang Khawar Bashir stated that they conducted transparent elections in Talagang and called for an independent investigation into Chattha's allegations.