CJP Isa refutes Rawalpindi commissioner's 'baseless' poll rigging allegations
Pakistan
SC decides not to take suo moto notice of allegations raised by Chattha
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa has refuted the allegations made by Rawalpindi Commissioner Liaquat Ali Chattha against him [and Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja].
Chattha, who resigned from his position after admitting to facilitating electoral rigging under his watch, accused CEC Raja and CJP Isa of being complicit in the electoral rigging.
Responding to the allegations, CJP Isa, in a brief media conversation, asserted that the allegations of electoral fraud against him were baseless and lacked evidence.
He emphasised that while anyone could level allegations, they should be supported by evidence, noting that Chattha did not provide any evidence.
Justice Isa dismissed the allegations, stating that they lacked truth. He added that tomorrow, such accusations might escalate to include charges of theft and murder against him.
SUPREME COURT DECIDES NOT TO TAKE SUO MOTO NOTICE
Earlier, the Supreme Court decided not to take suo moto notice of the allegations raised by the former Rawalpindi commissioner.
According to sources, following Chattha's allegations, an important consultative session of judges was held in the Chief Justice's chamber. Justices Manzoor Akhtar, Yahya Afridi, Ayesha Malik and Athar Minallah participated in the session.
During the session, the judges deliberated on whether to assess the allegations brought by the Rawalpindi commissioner and consider taking suo moto notice.
Ultimately, the judges concluded not to take suo moto notice of the allegations.
Sources indicated that a case related to the elections was already scheduled for hearing on Feb 19, during which the aspects pertaining to the allegations made by the Rawalpindi commissioner would be examined.
Read also: Rawalpindi commissioner admits elections were rigged, resigns
