Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar asserted on Monday that the Pakistani state would stand by civil servants in fulfilling their constitutional responsibilities, taking action against any “violent trolls” and ensuring they face “exemplary punishment.”

This statement followed the resignation of the Rawalpindi commissioner, who confessed to involvement in rigging election results in the city and demanded punishment for his actions. Liaquat Ali Chattha, speaking at a news conference, admitted to facilitating the forced declaration of 13 winning candidates and manipulating votes in favor of certain candidates.

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While Chattha’s allegations have been refuted by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and the newly appointed Rawalpindi commissioner, Prime Minister Kakar emphasized the state’s commitment to civil servants and condemned attempts to pressure them into disloyalty.

He highlighted the tactics employed by certain elements, including the weaponization of social media, to coerce civil servants and undermine the state’s authority. PM Kakar stressed that such actions violate the Constitution and laws of Pakistan.

Maryam Nawaz, the PML-N’s chief organizer, echoed similar sentiments, warning against inciting the bureaucracy to break the law. She emphasized the importance of officers performing their duties without fear and cautioned against threats to their security.

Maryam asserted that those endangering officers’ security would face severe consequences, emphasizing the need for law and order to be upheld within the state system.