Election Commission of Pakistan under scrutiny after rigging allegations

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is facing a crisis of credibility after a senior official resigned and confessed to manipulating the results of the general elections held in February 2024. The ECP has launched a probe into the allegations and formed a high-level committee to investigate the matter.

     The scandal erupted on Saturday, when Rawalpindi Commissioner Liaquat Ali Chatha, who was also the district returning officer, submitted his resignation and admitted to tampering with the polling data. He claimed that he was pressured by some influential politicians and bureaucrats to change the votes in favor of certain candidates. He also alleged that the ECP's electronic system was hacked and the data was altered.

     Chatha's confession sparked widespread protests and unrest across the country, as the opposition parties and civil society groups demanded a re-election and an independent inquiry into the matter. They accused the ruling party of rigging the elections and stealing the mandate of the people. They also questioned the role and performance of the ECP, which is supposed to be an independent and impartial body responsible for conducting free and fair elections.

     The ECP, on its part, has denied any involvement in the rigging and expressed its commitment to uphold the integrity of the electoral process. It has set up a high-level committee, comprising of senior ECP officials and representatives of the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), to probe the allegations and record the statements of the district polling officials. The committee is expected to submit its report within three days.

     The ECP has also sought the assistance of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to trace the source of the hacking and identify the culprits. It has assured the public that it will take strict action against anyone found guilty of violating the election laws and rules.

     The ECP has also appealed to the media and the public to refrain from spreading rumour's and misinformation about the elections and to wait for the official results and the findings of the investigation. It has urged the political parties and the candidates to respect the electoral process and to cooperate with the ECP in resolving the issue.

     The ECP has also requested the international observers and the media to share their observations and feedback on the conduct of the elections. The ECP had invited several international organizations and media outlets to monitor and cover the elections, which were held on February 8, 2024. According to the ECP, the elections were held in a peaceful and transparent manner, with a high voter turnout of 67 percent.

     The general elections 2024 were the third consecutive democratic elections in Pakistan, after the restoration of democracy in 2008. The elections were contested by 3,459 candidates for 342 seats in the National Assembly and 8,396 candidates for 728 seats in the four provincial assemblies. The ruling party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), claimed to have won the majority of the seats, followed by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), and other smaller parties and independent candidates.

     However, the results of the elections have been challenged by the opposition parties and the civil society groups, who have alleged massive rigging and irregularities in the polling process. They have demanded a re-counting of the votes and a verification of the thumb impressions of the voters. They have also called for a nationwide protest and a boycott of the parliament until their demands are met.

     The rigging allegations have cast a shadow over the credibility and legitimacy of the elections and the ECP, which is the constitutional body entrusted with the task of ensuring free and fair elections in Pakistan. The ECP was established in 1956 under Article 218 of the Constitution of Pakistan, and consists of a Chief Election Commissioner and four members, one from each province. The ECP is responsible for preparing the electoral rolls, delimiting the constituencies, conducting the elections, and announcing the results.

     The ECP has faced criticism and controversy in the past as well, especially after the general elections of 2013, which were also marred by allegations of rigging and manipulation. The ECP had introduced several reforms and measures to improve the electoral system and to enhance its transparency and accountability. Some of these measures included the use of biometric verification machines, electronic voting machines, postal ballots, and result transmission system. The ECP had also issued a code of conduct for the political parties, the candidates, the media, and the observers, and had established a complaint management system and a monitoring and control center.

     However, despite these efforts, the ECP has failed to win the trust and confidence of the stakeholders and the public, who have questioned its independence and impartiality. The ECP has been accused of being influenced by the government and the establishment, and of being incompetent and inefficient. The ECP has also been criticized for its lack of transparency and accountability, and for its failure to address the complaints and grievances of the aggrieved parties and candidates.

     The current crisis has exposed the weaknesses and flaws of the electoral system and the ECP, and has raised serious concerns over the future of democracy and stability in Pakistan. The ECP has a huge responsibility and a challenge to restore its credibility and to ensure that the elections are fair and credible. The ECP has to take swift and decisive action to investigate the allegations and to punish the culprits. The ECP has to also take steps to reform and improve the electoral system and to enhance its transparency and accountability. The ECP has to also engage and consult with the political parties and the civil society groups, and to address their concerns and demands. The ECP has to also cooperate and coordinate with the other state institutions and the international community, and to seek their support and guidance.

     The ECP has a vital role to play in strengthening and sustaining democracy and the rule of law in Pakistan, which is essential for the peace and prosperity of the country and the region. The ECP has to fulfill its constitutional mandate and to uphold the will and the rights of the people of Pakistan, who are the ultimate source of power and authority in a democratic system.

Source:

Senior Election Official in Pakistan Resigns Over Election Rigging Confession

Pakistan’s election commission launches probe into poll rigging allegations after official’s resignation

Pakistan: Election Commission sets up high-level committee to probe rigging allegations

Election Commission of Pakistan

Election Commission of Pakistan

#ECPProbe #PakistanElections2024 #RiggingScandal #DemocracyUnderThreat #VoteForChange #Pakistan #Elections #ElectionCommission #PTI #PMLN #PPP

Who is Pir Pagara and why is he important in Pakistan's politics?

Pir Pagara is a title given to the leader of the Muslim Sufi order of Hurs in Sindh province of Pakistan. The Hurs

are a warlike community that fought a long-running guerrilla campaign against the British Raj in the 19th and 20th centuries. The current Pir Pagara is Sibghatullah Shah Rashdi III, also known as Raja Saein, who is the eighth Pir of Pagaro and the president of the Pakistan Muslim League (F), a political party that is part of the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA), an opposition coalition in Sindh.

     Pir Pagara is one of the most influential and respected political personalities in Pakistan, especially in Sindh, where he commands a large following among the Hurs and other Sindhis. He is also a spiritual leader who is believed to have supernatural powers and the ability to predict the future. His predictions on Pakistan's politics are sometimes quoted in the media and followed by many politicians.

     Pir Pagara has been involved in Pakistan's politics since the 1980s, when he was the chairman of the district council of Khairpur, his hometown. He has been elected three times to the Sindh Assembly and has served as a provincial minister. He became the president of the Pakistan Muslim League (F) after the death of his father, Syed Shah Mardan Shah-II, the seventh Pir of Pagaro, in 2012.

     Pir Pagara is known for his staunch opposition to the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), the ruling party in Sindh, and its leader, Asif Ali Zardari, the former president of Pakistan. He accuses the PPP of corruption, nepotism, and misgovernance in Sindh and demands more autonomy and development for the province. He also criticises the federal government led by Prime Minister Imran Khan and his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), for failing to deliver on their promises and for neglecting the issues of Sindh.

     Pir Pagara is also known for his frequent public appearances and speeches, where he addresses his supporters and the media on various topics. He often holds large rallies and gatherings, called jalsas, in different cities of Sindh, such as Hyderabad, where he showcases his political strength and popularity. He also holds press conferences, where he comments on the current affairs and announces his political plans and strategies. He sometimes gives interviews to the media, where he shares his views and opinions on various issues.

     Pir Pagara is considered a key player in Pakistan's politics, especially in Sindh, where he has a loyal base of voters and followers. He is also a respected figure among other political parties and leaders, who often seek his advice and support. He is seen as a potential kingmaker in the upcoming general elections, where he hopes to challenge the PPP's dominance in Sindh and form a coalition government with other parties.

     Pir Pagara is a unique personality in Pakistan's politics, who combines religious, spiritual, and political roles. He is a leader of the Hurs, a president of a political party, and a Pir of a Sufi order. He is a symbol of Sindhi nationalism, a voice of opposition, and a source of inspiration. He is Pir Pagara, and he is important in Pakistan's politics.

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Pir Pagara: The Spiritual and Political Leader of Sindh

Pir Pagara is a title given to the leader of the Muslim Sufi order of Hurs in Sindh province of Pakistan. The Hurs are a warlike community that fought against the British Raj in the Indian independence movement. The current Pir Pagara is Sibghatullah Shah Rashdi III, who is also the president of the Pakistan Muslim League (F) and the leader of the Grand Democratic Alliance. He is one of the most influential and respected political personalities in PakistaPir Pagara History

The title of Pir Pagara was first bestowed upon Syed Roshan Ali Shah by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in the 17th century. He was the founder of the Hur movement, which aimed to spread Islam and resist foreign invaders. He was succeeded by his son Syed Muhammad Shah, who was also known as Pir Pagara I. The lineage of Pir Pagara continued through his descendants, who were revered as spiritual and temporal leaders of the Hurs.

     The most famous Pir Pagara was Syed Sibghatullah Shah II, who was also known as Pir Pagara VI. He led the Hur rebellion against the British colonial rule in the 1940s. He was hanged by the British in 1943, and his son Syed Shah Mardan Shah II, who was only 14 years old at the time, was exiled to England. He returned to Pakistan after the partition of India in 1947 and became the seventh Pir Pagara. He was also a prominent politician and a cricketer. He died in 2012 and was succeeded by his eldest son Syed Sibghatullah Shah Rashdi III, who is the eighth and current Pir Paga

Pir Pagara Hyderabad Jalsa

Pir Pagara is known for holding large public gatherings, or jalsas, in various cities of Sindh to address his followers and supporters. One of the most recent and notable jalsas was held in Hyderabad on 18 February 2021, where Pir Pagara announced the formation of the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA), a coalition of opposition parties in Sindh. He also criticized the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) for its alleged corruption and misgovernance in the province. He vowed to bring a change in Sindh and restore the rights of the people. He was joined by other leaders of the GDA, such as Arbab Rahim, Zulfiqar Mirza, Ayaz Latif Palijo, and Nusrat Sehar Abbasi.

Pir Pagara Press Conference Today

     On 15 September 2021, Pir Pagara held a press conference in Karachi, where he expressed his views on the current political situation in the country. He said that he was not satisfied with the performance of the federal government led by Prime Minister Imran Khan. He said that the government had failed to deliver on its promises of accountability, economic stability, and social welfare. He also said that the government had mishandled the issues of Kashmir, Afghanistan, and the FATF. He urged the government to take concrete steps to address the problems faced by the masses.

     He also spoke about the upcoming local body elections in Sindh, which are scheduled to be held in November 2021. He said that the GDA was ready to contest the elections and challenge the PPP's dominance in the province. He said that the GDA would expose the PPP's corruption and mismanagement in the local bodies. He also said that the GDA would ensure free and fair elections and would not tolerate any rigging or manipulation.

Pir Pagara Protocol

     Pir Pagara is a revered figure in Sindh and enjoys a large following among the Hurs and other communities. He is also a powerful politician and the head of a major political party. As such, he is accorded a high level of protocol and security wherever he goes. He is often accompanied by a large number of vehicles, guards, and supporters. He is also received and welcomed by local dignitaries and officials. He is given special arrangements and facilities during his visits and stays. He is also given media coverage and attention by various channels and newspapers.

Pir Pagara Interview

     Pir Pagara is not known for giving frequent or lengthy interviews to the media. However, he occasionally speaks to some journalists and anchors on important issues and events. One of his recent interviews was with Kamran Khan on Dunya News on 12 August 2021. In the interview, he discussed the situation in Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover. He said that Pakistan should play a positive and constructive role in the peace and stability of Afghanistan. He also said that Pakistan should maintain good relations with all the neighboring countries, including India. He said that dialogue and diplomacy were the best ways to resolve the disputes and differences between the countries.

     He also talked about the internal politics of Pakistan and the role of the opposition parties. He said that the opposition parties should unite and work together for the betterment of the country and the people. He said that the opposition parties should hold the government accountable and highlight its failures and shortcomings. He also said that the opposition parties should present a viable alternative and a vision for the future of Pakistan.

Pir Pagara Speech

     Pir Pagara is known for his fiery and charismatic speeches, which he delivers at various occasions and platforms. He often addresses his followers and supporters at his residence in Karachi, or at his ancestral home in Pir Jo Goth. He also speaks at public rallies and meetings organized by his party or the GDA. He usually speaks in Sindhi, but sometimes also in Urdu or English. He covers a range of topics, such as religion, history, culture, politics, and current affairs. He often criticizes the government and the ruling party for their policies and actions. He also praises and motivates his followers and supporters for their loyalty and devotion. He also makes predictions and prophecies about the future of Pakistan and the world.

Pir Pagara Speech Today

     Today, Pir Pagara delivered a speech at a ceremony held to mark the 79th death anniversary of his father, Pir Pagara VI, who was hanged by the British in 1943. He paid tribute to his father and his sacrifices for the cause of Islam and freedom. He said that his father was a great leader and a martyr, who inspired millions of people to fight against the tyranny and oppression of the colonial rulers. He said that his father's legacy and mission were still alive and relevant in the present times. He said that his father's spirit and vision guided him and his followers in their struggle for justice and democracy.

     He also spoke about the current challenges and opportunities faced by Pakistan and the Muslim world. He said that Pakistan was facing multiple threats and crises, such as terrorism, extremism, corruption, poverty, and inflation. He said that the government had failed to address these issues and had instead worsened the situation. He said that the government had betrayed the trust and expectations of the people. He said that the government had also damaged the image and interests of Pakistan at the international level. He said that the government had no vision or direction for the future of Pakistan.

     He said that the only hope and solution for Pakistan was the unity and solidarity of the opposition parties and the people. He said that the opposition parties had to work together and form a strong alliance to challenge and overthrow the government. He said that the opposition parties had to offer a new and better agenda and program for the development and prosperity of Pakistan. He said that the opposition parties had to mobilize and galvanize the masses and prepare them for a decisive movement. He said that the opposition parties had to restore the dignity and sovereignty of Pakistan and make it a strong and respected nation in the world.

     He also expressed his solidarity and support for the people of Kashmir and Palestine, who were facing oppression and injustice at the hands of India and Israel. He said that Pakistan had to stand by the oppressed and the downtrodden, and raise their voice at every forum. He said that Pakistan had to play a leading and proactive role in the Muslim world, and promote peace and harmony among the Muslim countries. He said that Pakistan had to be a model and an example for the Muslim world, and show them the true and enlightened path of Islam.

     He concluded his speech by praying for the success and welfare of Pakistan and the Muslim world. He also prayed for the forgiveness and mercy of his father and all the martyrs of the Hur movement. He also prayed for the guidance and protection of his followers and supporters. He also prayed for the health and recovery of his brother, Pir Sadaruddin Shah, who was undergoing treatment in London. He also prayed for the end of the coronavirus pandemic and the restoration of normalcy in the world. He also prayed for the fulfillment of his predictions and prophecies, which he said were based on divine revelations and signs. He also prayed for the advent of the Mahdi and the return of Jesus, who he said would bring justice and peace to the world. He also prayed for the happiness and salvation of all the people in the hereafter. He ended his speech by saying "Allahu Akbar" (God is great) and "Pakistan Zindabad" (Long live Pakistan).

Source:

Pir of Pagaro VII - Wikipedia 

Pir of Pagaro VIII - Wikipedia.

The Pir Pagara - The Telegraph

His holiness: Pir Pagara - Herald

The Rise of Muslim League Functional Sukkur: A Story of Sindhi Nationalism and Hurs Legacy