Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Sep 29: A recent investigative report is renewing pressure on the US administration to rethink its support for Pakistan, citing its history of undemocratic elections, alleged backing of terror groups, corruption, and systemic abuse of minorities.

Last year’s February national elections in Pakistan drew widespread criticism. Liaquat Ali Chattha, an official in Rawalpindi, admitted the results were manipulated — “converting losers into winners by margins of tens of thousands of votes.”

Further controversy surrounds a report by the Commonwealth Observer Group (COG). A leaked version claims that Pakistan’s current government, partly backed by the military, suppressed findings of widespread fraud and manipulation. The preliminary report reportedly exposed violations of fundamental political rights, including constraints on freedom of expression, assembly, and association.

Commissioner Chattha also implicated high-ranking officials, including the head of the Election Commission and the country’s chief justice, in the scandal.

Opposition parties, particularly PTI (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf), are demanding full transparency. They want the Commonwealth report to be made public and an independent inquiry into the allegations.

The leaked documents and confessions have stirred concern among civil society and international observers, who warn that without credible, transparent elections, Pakistan’s democratic legitimacy remains under threat.