Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar issued a warning on Saturday, amid protests by a number of parties, including Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), against the purported rigging of the general elections on February 8. He said that any kind of agitation, violence, or encouragement of vigilantism would not be tolerated and that the law would be applied without delay.
The shocking revelation that Rawalpindi Commissioner Liaquat Ali Chatta had “involved in rigging election results in the city” and that he had resigned from his position, demanding to be “hanged for doing injustice” to the Rawalpindi Division, added to concerns about the transparency of the elections.
In a statement made during a news conference at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Chattha stated that “we gave the losing candidates leads of 50,000 votes” and that “13 candidates from Pindi were forcefully declared winners.”
He declared, “I have wronged the Rawalpindi Division.” “After the Fajr prayer today, I attempted suicide. Then it occurred to me, why should I die a death that is prohibited? “Why not present everything to the public?” he said.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) and the Pakistan Bar Councils (PBC) have also expressed doubts about the legitimacy of the elections.
The prime minister said in a statement released by his office that “while peaceful protest and assembly are fundamental rights, any form of agitation, violence, or incitement for vigilantism will not be condoned and law would take its course without any hesitation.”
The recently conducted General Elections in the country have been a step towards promoting democracy. Significant turnout from all segments of society, including both genders, has been acknowledged internationally Post elections, it is imperative that all stakeholders realise…
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) February 17, 2024
“Disorder and anarchy will not be accepted during this critical period. This simply helps to set the stage for adversarial forces, both home and foreign, to take advantage of and pose serious threats to law and order.
In line with democratic traditions and conventions, he said, political parties are consulting to form governments at the federal and provincial levels, and the caretaker administration is pleading for patience during this process. He continued, “We hope that this process ends as soon as possible with mutual understanding and respect.”
According to Prime Minister Kakar, the nation’s most recent election was a step in the direction of advancing democracy. Remarkable participation from every societal group, encompassing both genders, has been recognized globally. It is crucial that all parties involved understand that winning and losing are normal parts of democratic procedures after elections, he continued.
He went on to say that any groups or persons with concerns about electoral irregularities are welcome to use the legal procedures at their disposal to explore their legal options. He said, “Pakistan’s legislative, judicial, and executive branches are strong and prepared to provide fair justice to everyone.”
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