Days after dropping a bombshell by confessing that he played a role in rigging the elections to make the losers win in Rawalpindi Division, former commissioner of Rawalpindi, Liaquat Ali Chattha has supposedly backtracked on his allegations.

In a letter to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) secretary, a copy of which was seen by Dawn, Chattha said last week’s press conference was held at the behest of a senior PTI leader, who also happens to be a proclaimed offender.

However, the official has been not been seen since his presser containing allegations of rigging in the election last week. It is also unclear where and how the letter addressed to the ECP was written, and Chattha’s current whereabouts are also unknown.

Expressing shame and embarrassment in his letter, Chattha sought an apology from the nation. The former commissioner stated that the entire plan to malign state institutions was approved by “the PTI leadership”.

Read more here.

Opinion

Editorial

Iran stalemate
Updated 02 May, 2026

Iran stalemate

THE US and Iran are currently somewhere between war and peace. While a tenuous ceasefire — extended largely due to...
Tax shortfall
02 May, 2026

Tax shortfall

THE Rs684bn shortfall in tax collection during the first 10 months of the fiscal year is a continuation of a...
Teaching inclusion
02 May, 2026

Teaching inclusion

DISCRIMINATORY and exclusionary content in Punjab’s textbooks has been flagged in Inclusive Education for a United...
Water vision
01 May, 2026

Water vision

WATER insecurity in Pakistan has been building up for decades as per capita water availability has declined from...
Vaccine policy
01 May, 2026

Vaccine policy

PAKISTAN has finally approved its first National Vaccine Policy; a step the health ministry has rightly described as...
Labour rights
Updated 01 May, 2026

Labour rights

THE annual observance of May Day should move beyond statements about the state’s commitment to the rights of...