PTI calls for immediate resignation of CEC Sikandar Raja

RAWALPINDI: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has called for the immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja, citing his failure to ensure the fairness and transparency of the 2024 general elections.

Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, speaking to journalists after meeting with the party’s founder Imran Khan at Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail on Tuesday, said that the current CEC has become embroiled in controversy due to his inability to prevent election rigging.

He emphasized the necessity for CEC Raja to step down without delay. Khan insisted that all investigations into electoral irregularities must be conducted impartially and without external influence, with a focus on reflecting the public’s mandate in the election results.

Additionally, Khan demanded that election authorities release results as per Form 45, addressing concerns raised by various political parties regarding discrepancies observed in Form 47.

He highlighted revelations from the former Rawalpindi Commissioner, which supported PTI’s claims of election rigging, warning that such lack of transparency could impact Pakistan’s relations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Expressing disappointment with the Election Commission’s performance, Khan called for an investigation into Liaquat Ali Chatha’s allegations and the conduct of the February 8 elections. He argued that CEC Raja’s resignation would facilitate an unbiased inquiry into irregularities surrounding the February 8 polls.

Liaquat Ali Chatha, who resigned from his position as Rawalpindi Commissioner, admitted to involvement in election rigging during the 2024 general elections, implicating not only himself but also alleging the Election Commission of Pakistan and Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa’s involvement, a claim refuted by both institutions.

Following Chatha’s press conference, he was transferred, and Saif Anwar Jappa was appointed as the additional charge of Rawalpindi Development Authority DG.