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Elections 2024: polling ends, counting begins

Pakistan votes

ISLAMABAD: The counting of votes has started after the polling time for the general election in the country’s history ended on Thursday.

The Election Commission of Pakistan announced that the polling time would remain till 5 pm and all polling stations would be closed at 5 pm. However, people present in the vicinity of the polling station till 5 pm could cast their vote.

During the general election, 17,816 candidates including 882 women and four transgender persons competed in 855 constituencies of the national and four provincial assemblies.

During the polling for the general election, 128.58 million voters across the country exercised their right to vote.

According to the ECP, the voter was given a green ballot paper for the National Assembly and a white ballot paper for the provincial assembly. The voter had to show the original identity card to cast the vote.

As the polling timing came to a close, Pakistan witnessed a unique scenario of suspended internet and mobile phone services.

Despite calls for an extension, the Election Commission of Pakistan refused to prolong the voting hours. However, the commission opted to extend the voting time at three specific polling stations in Gujrat’s NA-62 and PP-28.

The unofficial results will start pouring in after 6pm, the ECP said.

Millions of Pakistanis voted on Thursday in a general election that was marred by violence, allegations of rigging, and an unprecedented internet and mobile phone blackout across the country.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) said that the internet and mobile service were suspended due to security reasons, and would be restored once the situation improved.

The move sparked criticism from the opposition parties, especially the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), which accused the poll body of trying to manipulate the results.

The PPP also filed a complaint with the ECP, alleging that its polling agents were not allowed to enter some polling stations, and that some ballot boxes were tampered with. The ECP said that it had received complaints of irregularities, and that it would investigate them.

The voting process was also disrupted by several incidents of violence, including clashes between supporters of rival parties, attacks on polling staff.

Despite the challenges, a large number of voters, especially the young ones, turned out to exercise their right to choose their representatives for the next five years.

The election was seen as a test of the popularity of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), which faced a strong challenge from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), led by former prime minister Imran Khan, who is currently serving a jail term in Adiala jail.

The PML-N claimed that it had delivered on its promises of economic development, infrastructure projects, and energy security. The PTI, on the other hand, promised to bring a change in the system, fight corruption, and provide social justice.

The other major parties in the fray included the PPP, headed by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the son of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), led by Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), led by Sirajul Haq, and the Awami National Party (ANP), led by Aimal Wali Khan.

The leaders of all these parties cast their votes in their respective constituencies, and urged their supporters to come out in large numbers. They also appealed for peace and harmony, and warned against any attempts to rig the election.

As of the latest updates, international observers from various organizations, including the European Union and the Commonwealth, have been monitoring the election process closely, expressing concerns over the reported irregularities and violence.

In response to the allegations of rigging and irregularities, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has initiated investigations into the complaints filed by opposition parties. The ECP has assured the public that it will ensure transparency and fairness in the electoral process.

Meanwhile, there have been reports of sporadic protests in different parts of the country, with supporters of various political parties taking to the streets to voice their grievances. Security forces have been deployed to maintain law and order and prevent any escalation of violence.

The final and official results are expected to be announced by the ECP within in a day or two, after which the process of forming the government will begin.

No proposal to extend polling time under consideration: ECP

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) stated that no proposal to extend the polling time is currently under consideration.

He confirmed that the polling hours across the country will remain until 5 pm, with unofficial results to be broadcasted after 6 pm.

The ECP spokesperson also mentioned that the polling process is proceeding peacefully nationwide.

Furthermore, he reported that 55 different complaints were received, including issues such as the late start of the CP’s monitoring cell coupling. Out of these complaints, 45 have been resolved, while efforts to address the remaining 10 are ongoing, the spokesperson said.

Never seen such rigging, says Akhtar Mengal.

Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-Mengal) chief Sardar Akhtar Mengal has alleged ‘open rigging in the general election today.’ He expressed his concerns, stating, “Never seen such open rigging; media and the election commission are silent on our serious concerns.

Some stations lack ballot boxes. Ready to take legal action and protest if our concerns are ignored.”

People did not get polling stations, says Afaq Ahmed.

Afaq Ahmed, Chairman of the Mahajir Qaumi Movement (Haqiqi), remarked that it is easy to manage low turnout if people do not get polling stations. He also condemned the shutdown of mobile phone services, stating that it is causing difficulties for people to vote, as reported by Dawn News.

Shutdown of internet facilities sad, says Qaiser Sharif

Jamaat-e-Islami spokesperson Qaiser Sharif termed the shutdown of internet facilities in the general elections as regrettable. He stated that the suspension of mobile phone services has caused difficulties for voters, affecting transportation facilities and vote verification. Qaiser Sharif emphasized that Jamaat-e-Islami believes people have the right to vote and use these facilities, demanding the government and the Election Commission to restore these services immediately.

Senator Taj Haider writes a letter to the ECP regarding electoral fraud

Senator Taj Haider, in charge of the central election cell of the Pakistan People’s Party, wrote a letter to the Election Commission concerning election rigging. He reported a complaint received from PPP candidate Haider Ali Imrani at PS-100 of Karachi, highlighting missing polling station staff and voters standing in queues. Senator Taj Haider urged the Election Commission to promptly address the matter and issue necessary orders to the concerned authorities.

Balochistan citizens turn out in large numbers to vote

Citizens of Balochistan have turned out in large numbers to exercise their right to vote at polling stations. Despite recent explosions outside election offices in Pashin and Qila Saifullah resulting in casualties, citizens are actively participating in voting, with long queues observed at various polling stations. Security arrangements by the police and Pakistan Army have been praised by citizens, ensuring a calm and satisfactory polling process.

Jamaat-e-Islami demands action against ECP officials involved in rigging

Jamaat-e-Islami has demanded action against election commission officials allegedly involved in rigging. In a statement released on Social Media X, Jamaat-e-Islami reported an incident where a non-official person was caught rigging the post as a stunt presiding officer.

Jamaat-e-Islami chief Sirajul Haq casts vote

Amir Jamaat-e-Islami Sirajul Haq has cast his vote in NA-6 Lower Dir. Sirajul Haq said that he appealed to the nation to use their vote for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan and to brighten their future through their vote. The Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami said that they should play their role in making Pakistan corruption-free and great.

He said that the vote given to your scale will make the country progress. Jamaat-e-Islami will emerge as a big political force in the election. They said that there is still time to come out of the house and fulfill your national responsibility through the vote.

Clash between two groups outside polling station in Multan’s NA-149

A clash took place between two groups outside the polling station in Multan’s NA-149. A clash took place between two groups outside the polling station in Multan’s NA-149, during which sticks and fists were rained. After the incident, additional police force was called in from Kareem Town.

Faisalabad: Tension at two polling stations in NA-97, polling stopped

Tension at polling station number 223 and 224 in Faisalabad’s NA-97, polling process stopped. According to media reports, after the tension, the polling process was stopped at both polling stations, while police and army personnel arrived at the scene to control the situation. Tension occurred at polling station number 223 and 224 on allegations of rigging. It may be noted that both polling stations are in the ancestral village of PML-N candidate Ali Gohar Baloch.

Hyderabad: Clash between two groups at polling station in Latifabad No. 11, Rangers summoned

A clash took place between two groups at the polling station in Latifabad No. 11 in Hyderabad. According to media reports, the polling station was quarreled over the entry of men in the women’s polling station. After the clash between the two groups, heavy police and Rangers force was summoned to the polling station in view of the security situation of the area.

Murree: A large number of people in queue to cast vote

A video was shared by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in which it was seen that a large number of people in Murree were standing in queue to cast their vote.

PPP leader Aseefa Bhutto cast her vote

Pakistan People’s Party leader Aseefa Bhutto Zardari cast her vote in Shaheed Benazirabad. According to the social media website, she said that God willing, the victory will be of Pakistan People’s Party.

Syed Qaim Ali Shah cast his vote

Former Chief Minister Sindh and senior leader of Pakistan People’s Party Syed Qaim Ali Shah cast his vote in Khairpur. Qaim Ali Shah cast his vote at the polling station in Jailani Mohalla. Syed Qaim Ali Shah while talking to the media said that ‘Sindh government is ours, those who were in opposition till yesterday will become brothers now, when the results will come in the evening, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will become our prime minister’.

Nawaz Sharif violates code of conduct by showing his vote

PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif violated the code of conduct by showing his vote to the people present near him at the polling station in NA-128 on Thursday. He was accompanied by his daughter Maryam Nawaz and Pakistan Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) leader Aun Chaudhry.

Jahangir Tareen casts his vote in Lodhran

Lodhran: Pakistan Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party chief Jahangir Tareen cast his vote at his home polling station in Lodhran and appealed to the people to come out of their homes and use their vote as a trust and power. He said that his party’s candidates would win and form a government for five years to stabilize the economy and the country. He also condemned the internet shutdown and the terrorist attacks on the youth.

First Lady Samina Alvi votes in Karachi

Karachi: First Lady Samina Alvi, the wife of President Arif Alvi, cast her vote in Karachi on Thursday.

Asif Ali Zardari cast vote in Nawabshah

Former President and PPP leader Asif Ali Zardari cast his vote in NA-207 in Nawabshah and claimed that his party would form the government in the whole country and his candidates would achieve success from all over the country. He is facing a tough contest from independent candidate Sardar Sher Muhammad Rind in NA-207 Shaheed Benazirabad.

Bilawal Bhutto urges people to use their vote power after vote in Naudero

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto cast his vote in NA-194 in Naudero and urged the people to come out and use the power of vote, saying that their future decision was in their hands in the form of vote. He also condemned the mobile services being shut down during polling and demanded that the judiciary and higher authorities restore them, as the phone service shutdown would affect the turnout. He said that his mandate could not be given to anyone.

Imran Khan and other political leaders cast their vote in Adiala jail

Islamabad: Former Prime Minister Imran Khan and other prominent political personalities imprisoned in Adiala Jail cast their vote through postal ballot on Thursday. However, Imran Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi could not take part in the voting as her sentence and arrest took place after the completion of the postal voting process. Former Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, former Chief Minister Punjab Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, Awami Muslim League chief Sheikh Rashid and former Federal Minister of Information Fawad Chaudhry along with other political prisoners used their right to vote in jail.

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