- Imran Khan says NADRA has handed over to him report detailing evidence of rigging in NA-122, the constituency of NA Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq
- NADRA chief denies handing over any such report to PTI chief
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on Wednesday presented a “pre-scan report” that he said was issued by the National Database & Registration Authority (NADRA) as proof of rigging in NA-122, however NADRA has denied issuing any such report.
Khan claimed that the report contained concrete evidence to suggest “mass-scale rigging” in NA-122 election in Lahore. It should be mentioned that Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) candidate and sitting National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq defeated Khan during 2013 general election in NA-122.
During interaction with reporters after meeting with NADRA’s chief to enquire about the forensic reports the authority had to submit to an election tribunal that is investigating the alleged rigging, Khan said that the NADRA chief has assured him that the report will be submitted to the election tribunal this week.
The PTI chairman, with NADRA’s “pre-scan report” in his hand, said that it suggested that ballot books were inscribed with duplicate serial numbers in 50 polling stations. “Polling stations used books with serial numbers that were not meant for them,” he claimed.
Khan said that NADRA is yet to complete its findings on thumbprint verification, and once that is done, its report will be complete. He said that PTI would pursue criminal cases against the returning officers responsible for these irregularities. “It is obvious this was planned; how could the officers not see what was going on,” he questioned.
WHAT REPORT?
Commenting on Khan’s claims, NADRA Chairman Usman Yousaf Mubin said that the NA-122 investigation report is sealed so an impression that such a report has been given to the PTI chairman is wrong.
Talking to reporters, NADRA chairman strongly rejected the reports that NADRA’s findings for NA-122 constituency have been given to the PTI chief. He said that Khan had announced visiting NADRA, adding that NADRA could have said nothing except welcoming Khan.
Mubin said Khan was not invited for meeting. He said the PTI chief asked about the NA-122 report and the hold up in its release, which, he said, was explained to him. He said Khan was told that NADRA operates as per the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), adding that Khan expressed satisfaction over the response.
Mubin said that they are working with impartiality and the impression that Khan came out of NADRA with inside information is wrong. He said that election tribunal never gave NADRA any deadline and that the impression that the report is delayed is wrong.
KHAN LAUDS JC:
Meanwhile, Khan continued his celebrations over NA-125 and lauded the Judicial Commission (JC) while reiterating its importance.
“JC importance has been proven and its decision will lay foundation for new Pakistan,” he said this while talking to reporters outside Supreme Court (SC) after the JC meeting.
“Our stance is proving due to the proceedings of the JC. Several new revelations are coming to open. Casting votes for six times is rigging. Proving rigging is not the job of the Election Tribunal. However, this decision has to be taken by JC. We don’t expect any justice from ET,” he held.
He demanded that those who had committed vote fraud in NA-125 be brought to justice. Possibility of curbing rigging without holding the perpetrators accountable stands ruled out, he said.
“Witnesses are appearing before JC for the first time in the history of Pakistan and recording their statements,” he said. He reiterated that organised rigging has been committed in general elections. Bags have been torn apart with knives, he alleged.
To a question, he said PTI would participate in by-polls in NA-125 and PA-155 with full preparations. “But we want those who have manipulated the results of these constituencies and have remained indulged in rigging be brought to justice,” he stressed.
