Govt to register criminal case against former commissioner

ISLAMABAD: The Punjab government has decided to register a criminal case against former Rawalpindi commissioner Liaquat Ali Chatha for levelling allegations of election rigging.

On the other hand, the Pakistan Tehreeke-insaf (PTI) has sought an “independent and empowered” judicial commission to probe the allegations without the chief justice being made part of it, while the Pakistan Muslim League-nawaz (PML-N) has termed Chatha’s statement “May 9 part-ii” aimed at creating unrest in the country with PTI “provoking” hatred against bureaucracy.

Chatha has accused the Chief Election Commission (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja and Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa of being involved in “rigging” and claimed that results were changed to ensure the victory of candidates who were losing.

Following the press conference, the Punjab caretaker chief minister ordered the formation of an inquiry commitee. However, Punjab caretaker Information Minister Amir Mir said no commitee has been formed yet and the issue “would become clear in a day or two.”

A senior cabinet member said the government has now decided to file an FIR against the official. Talking about the government’s change of mind, he said such commitees take a long time to wind up the probe and bring facts to light.

“The FIR is being lodged under sections 196, 196-A of the Criminal Procedure Code and 120A, 120-B, 121-A, 171-G and 500 of Pakistan Penal Code,” the cabinet member said, adding that provisions of the election code of conduct are also likely to be added to the charge-sheet.

These sections include provisions for prosecution of offences against the state, criminal conspiracy, waging a “war against Pakistan,” making false statements regarding elections and defamation.

The cabinet member said that ater the case has been registered, a joint commitee of police and intelligence agencies will start the probe.

The caretaker government is “serious about the mater” and would vigorously pursue it, the cabinet member said, adding the election record and other material were already in custody.