The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has formed a high-level committee to investigate the rigging allegations levelled by Rawalpindi Commissioner Liaquat Ali Chatha.

“Neither is the commissioner of any division ever appointed as a DRO, RO or presiding officer nor do they ever play a direct role in the conduct of elections,” the ECP said in a statement.

The high-level committee set up by the election watchdog will quiz the relevant ROs and DROs in light of the commissioner’s allegations.

The panel will be headed by a senior ECP member and include the secretary, special secretary, and the additional director general (law).

The decision about contempt proceedings against the civil servant will be taken in light of this report.

Opinion

Editorial

Holding the line
16 Mar, 2026

Holding the line

PAKISTAN’S long battle against polio has recently produced encouraging signs. Data from the national eradication...
Power self-reliance
16 Mar, 2026

Power self-reliance

PAKISTAN’S transition to domestic sources of electricity is a welcome development for a country that has long been...
Looking for safety
16 Mar, 2026

Looking for safety

AS the Middle East conflict enters its third week, the war’s most enduring victims are not those who wage it....
Battling hate
Updated 15 Mar, 2026

Battling hate

In the current scenario, geopolitical conflict, racial prejudice and religious bigotry all contribute to the threats Muslims face.
TB drugs shortage
15 Mar, 2026

TB drugs shortage

‘CRIMINAL negligence’ is the phrase that jumps to mind when one considers the disturbing consequences of the...
Chinese diplomacy
Updated 14 Mar, 2026

Chinese diplomacy

THERE are signs that China is taking a more active role in trying to resolve the issue of cross-border terrorism...