Secrets Unfurl.

The country is now much more sceptical of the already contentious general elections as a result of the shocking accusations made recently by Liaquat Ali Chattha, the former commissioner of Rawalpindi.

Shockwaves were sent throughout the nation by Mr. Chattha’s first public “confession,” which claimed he was involved in poll fraud and implicated the chief election commissioner and top justice of Pakistan without providing any evidence. In statements to reporters, a visibly repentant Mr. Chattha had asserted that candidates who were “losing” the elections “were made to win.” The storyline has subsequently gotten more complicated, though, since a purportedly written letter by Mr. Chattha to the ECP in which he retracts his claims has surfaced. An unidentified PTI leader who was on the run allegedly offered the former official a “lucrative position” in exchange for helping the PTI spread the story that the polls were rigged. The officer was on the verge of retiring when he made the accusations, according to the former official.

The audience is left feeling confused by this turn of events since it poses more questions than it clarifies. The mystery surrounding the letter’s origins has been further compounded by Mr. Chattha’s absence subsequent to his original accusation. Considering the seriousness of the charges—both original and later withdrawn—it is essential that an inquiry be started right now. If, as his letter claims, his first confession was a fabrication, it is imperative that the manipulators be exposed and brought to justice.

On the other hand, it is equally important that his claims of rigging be investigated if there is any chance of them being true. Commissioners have a great deal of administrative power by virtue of their position. Such authority can easily abused. Therefore, it is crucial to examine both Mr. Chattha’s assertions and his time in government, particularly in light of the corruption allegations levied against him. First steps have been taken: the Punjab government has opened an investigation into the development initiatives that the former commissioner authorised. Make sure, nevertheless, that this investigation is not only about punishment. The onus is now on the authorities to conduct a prompt, open, and thorough investigation to resolve the entire issue. Restoring public trust in state institutions and protecting the integrity of the voting process depend on this. Anything less than this will imperil Pakistan’s democratic roots in addition to betraying the confidence of the people.