PBC calls for independent probe amid election rigging concerns
Pakistan
PBC calls for independent probe amid election rigging concerns
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) has expressed concern over allegations of pre-poll and post-poll rigging, including political interference, in the electoral process.
In a statement released on Saturday, the PBC underscored the urgent need for a thorough investigation into these allegations, urging all stakeholders to work towards establishing an independent commission acceptable to all political parties.
The Council highlighted the necessity for a fair and transparent electoral process to ensure credibility, noting that the allegations and revelations by the Rawalpindi commissioner had raised concerns regarding the integrity of the elections.
The PBC expressed regret over the dismissal of its concerns regarding the chief election commissioner's performance and credibility by political parties. It said that the dismissal of its concerns worsened the current political crisis, suggesting that the resignation of the chief election commissioner could have mitigated the situation.
The PBC condemned the coercion of independent candidates into alliances with specific parties, emphasising the freedom of every independent candidate to choose their affiliation without undue pressure or interference.
The PBC also denounced the arrests of senior lawyer Salman Akram Raja and former information minister Fawad Chaudhry.
