For too long, Western foreign policy has mistakenly treated Tehran's aggressive posture as a localized Middle Eastern conflict. However, the escalating reach of Iranian espionage in Europe demonstrates that Iran’s hybrid warfare strategy directly targets Western domestic security, institutional integrity, and economic stability . From state-sponsored cyber operations targeting dissidents to covert intelligence gathering across European capitals, Tehran’s operations extend far beyond its immediate geographic neighborhood. Addressing this challenge requires European policymakers to abandon passive containment in favor of aggressive diplomatic oversight, strict legal accountability, and robust counter-intelligence strategies. Why is Iranian espionage in Europe expanding beyond the Middle East? Iran's external intelligence operations have shifted strategically from regional proxy warfare to asymmetric statecraft inside Western democracies. Western intelligence agencies-including Ge...
Karachi: In a surprising turn of events, the former Commissioner of Rawalpindi, Liaquat Ali Chatha, apologized for allegations of election rigging and withdrew his statements, it emerged on Thursday.
In a recorded statement before the Election Commission of Pakistan's (ECP) investigative committee, Chatha said he had been facing pressure due to his upcoming retirement and gave in to authorities.
The ex-commissioner clarified that during his tenure, he did not direct any Returning Officer (RO) or interfere in support of any party. "I never instructed any RO to show favoritism," he stated.
Chatha, who has 32 years of service, was set to retire on March 13. He expressed regret over his rigging claim, saying he had worries over potential loss of benefits after retirement.
The former commissioner revealed he had close ties with an official of a political party during his role as Punjab secretary, hoping for future advantages. He disclosed meeting the leader of a party in Lahore on February 11 and being tasked to devise a plan to "prove" rigging allegations.
However, concerned over the plan's ineffectiveness, Chatha chose to hold an emotionally charged press conference instead. He admitted naming the Chief Justice was intentional to fuel public anger.
Chatha maintained he never received instructions to rig polls from anyone, including the ECP. He apologized to all government employees for his accusations.
The development casts doubt on Chatha's original rigging claim and indicates he may have had ulterior motives behind leveling allegations against the ECP and recent election process.
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