THIS refers to the editorial ‘Lessons to learn’ (July 25). The inquiry commission’s verdict regarding rigging allegation seems to be a shoddy piece of work as the required pain and hard work appears to be missing in the report.

The entire burden of proof accompanied by irrefutable documentary evidence was put on the shoulders of the PTI. It is a known fact that in case of rigging or malpractices, provision of documentary proof is nearly impossible to produce. One has to go by the circumstantial evidence and there was enough.

The mandate of the commission empowered it to engage civilian and security agencies for investigation. This privilege was not used by the commission for reason not understood. One of the glaring omissions by the commission was not calling the then Chief Election Commissioner Justice Fakhruddin Ibrahim.

According to media reports, Justice Fakhruddin had strong differences with the caretaker prime minister, which made him to leave Islamabad and move to Karachi. The election commission was virtually without a head during this period.

The moot point is that if the elections were true and fair and reflected the will of the people, then why is there a requirement for the parliamentary electoral reforms committee? Also, there is no need to demand a powerful and independent election commission with full autonomy.

The inquiry commission has set a dangerous precedent by giving a clean chit to the 2013 elections. Those indulging in malpractices and rigging will now become emboldened by taking refuge under the commission’s findings.

Arif

Karachi

Published in Dawn, July 29th, 2015

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