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Tag: Pakistan Elections 2024

  • Pakistan Elections 2024: With No Clear Winner In Sight, Political Parties Begin ‘Wheeling And Dealing’ world news

    Islamabad: The recent elections in Pakistan have left the political landscape in uncertainty, with no clear winner emerging as the counting of votes nears completion. Despite the lack of a decisive outcome, major political parties have already begun negotiations and discussions in an attempt to secure enough support to form governments at both the national and provincial levels.

    PML-N Takes Initiative

    Nawaz Sharif, the leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), has assigned his brother, former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, to initiate talks with key parties like the PPP and MQM-P to explore possibilities of forming alliances.

    Previous Coalition Dynamics

    Interestingly, the PML-N and PPP were previously part of the ruling coalition government following Imran Khan’s removal in April 2022. However, tensions between the two parties escalated during the election campaign, complicating the path to coalition-building.

    Independent Candidates In The Lead

    Preliminary results suggest that independent candidates, largely supported by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI), are leading on a significant number of seats. This has added complexity to the political equation, requiring parties to negotiate and strategize effectively.

    Coalition Building Efforts

    Shehbaz Sharif has reportedly met with PPP leaders – Asif Ali Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto – at the residence of Punjab caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi to discuss the election results and potential post-election scenarios, indicating a willingness to explore coalition possibilities.

    MQM-P’s Exploring All Options

    The MQM-P, initially inclined to support Nawaz Sharif, is reassessing its options in light of the electoral outcomes. The party’s convener, Siddiqui has extended invitations to independent candidates to join forces, signaling a shift in strategy.

    Delay In Declaring Election Results

    While political manoeuvring unfolds, concerns have been raised regarding the fairness of the electoral process. Criticisms from international actors, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, highlight issues such as violence, alleged lack of fairness, and disruptions like internet outages during the voting process.

    Imran Khan’s Victory Speech

    Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, despite facing criticism over the handling of the elections, has released a statement claiming victory, citing a high voter turnout as evidence of the failure of his opponents’ strategies. In his AI-enabled voice, Khan said that the ‘London Plan’ of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif failed with the massive turnout of voters on polling day.

    In a related development, Imran Khan was granted bail in 12 cases related to the May 9 riots by an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Rawalpindi, according to The Express Tribune. Additionally, Khan’s close aide and the former foreign minister of Pakistan, Shah Mahmud Qureshi was also granted bail in 13 cases, the daily reported.

    Imran was also granted bail in the GHQ and Army Museum attacks, with the court requiring a PKR0.1 million surety bond in all 12 cases. The bail applications were considered by ATC Judge Malik Ejaz Asif. The court ruled that there was no rationale for keeping the PTI founder in custody, and all suspects in the May 9 cases were granted bail.

    With no clear winner emerging from the elections, Pakistan finds itself in a phase of political uncertainty and negotiation, as parties strive to form viable coalitions amid concerns about the electoral process’s integrity.

  • Pakistan Elections 2024: Imran Khan-Backed Candidates Leading In Early Trends, Giving Tough Fight To Nawaz Sharif’s PML-N | world news

    ISLAMABAD: Candidates supported by imprisoned former Pakistan premier Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party are proving to be formidable opponents to those backed by three-time former prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) as most of them are said to be leading in the early trends. Despite sporadic violence marring the polling process, the determination of voters remained steadfast as they exercised their democratic rights amid heightened security measures.

    Even though the illegitimate, fascist regime tried every low tactic to scare & dissuade people from voting, the people of Pakistan came out today in unprecedented numbers to vehemently reject the system of oppression, lawlessness & fraud!

    This is a huge victory for Imran Khan,… pic.twitter.com/h8rglm02r1 — PTI (@PTIofficial) February 8, 2024


    The polling process faced hurdles due to sporadic violence and connectivity issues across the country. Mobile and internet services were suspended to thwart potential terror attacks, underlining the gravity of security concerns during these elections. Despite these challenges, polling stations opened promptly at 8 am, with voting proceeding smoothly until 5 pm, albeit with delays in some areas.

    Imran’s message for supporters: ‘Guard your vote tonight’


    Till the complete results are received, remain peacefully present outside the offices of the Returning Officers and cast your vote.

    Do not leave RO office without complete results.

    Let us vote tonight, we will free the generations of Pakistan from slavery pic.twitter.com/zS2KwWUADN — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) February 8, 2024


    Polling Amid Tight Security

    Approximately 650,000 security personnel were deployed nationwide to ensure the safety and security of voters and election proceedings. However, the tragic loss of four policemen in a terror attack underscores the persistent threats faced by security forces during such critical events.

    Counting Underway Amidst Transparency Concerns

    After the voting concluded, the attention has now turned to the meticulous counting process supervised by presiding officers at various polling stations. The transparency of this process has come under scrutiny, especially amid the disruption of cellular and internet services, raising concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.

    Political Landscape And Electoral Dynamics

    With Imran Khan’s incarceration, Nawaz Sharif’s PML-N was expected to emerge as a prominent force in these elections. However, Khan’s PTI candidates, contesting independently due to the denial of their party’s iconic cricket ‘bat’ symbol, are determined to make their mark despite the odds.

    Challenges Ahead For the New Government

    The incoming government in Pakistan will inherit significant challenges, including tackling resurgent militant groups and addressing the longstanding issue of terrorism. The resurgence of militant activity since 2021, coupled with ongoing threats from groups like the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan and Baloch nationalists, underscores the complexities facing the country’s security apparatus.

    Allegations Of Electoral Tampering

    Amid reports of delayed results and allegations of electoral tampering, concerns about the integrity of the electoral process persist. PTI representatives have raised alarm over alleged irregularities, urging the election commission to ensure transparency and uphold the sanctity of the democratic process.


    Joint statement of Chief Organizer of Pakistan Movement, Omar Ayub Khan and Parliamentary Leader of Movement in the Senate, Barrister Ali Azfar, on behalf of Pakistan Movement, thanks the people for participating in large numbers in the election process on the appeal of Bani Chairman Imran Khan.

    History in the electoral process… pic.twitter.com/jsHPz63IbK — PTI (@PTIofficial) February 8, 2024


    Violence Mars Election Day

    Instances of violence marred election day, particularly in Karachi, where clashes between rival parties resulted in injuries and disruptions. The toll of poll-related violence serves as a stark reminder of the challenges associated with maintaining peace and order during elections.

    Despite the challenges, Pakistan’s security forces have been lauded for their efforts in ensuring the peaceful conduct of the elections. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) lauded the armed forces and law enforcement agencies for their pivotal role in maintaining security and upholding democratic principles.

    As the counting continues and results unfold, Pakistan navigates through a critical juncture in its democratic journey. Despite the hurdles and concerns, the resilience of the electoral process reflects the nation’s commitment to upholding democratic values ​​amid adversity.

  • Explained: Nawaz Sharif Or Bilawal Bhutto – Who Is Better Or India-Pakistan Relation | world news

    New Delhi: Pakistan is holding its 12th national general elections today on February 8, to elect a new government amid multiple crises. The country of 241 million people, which possesses nuclear weapons, faces political and economic turmoil, as well as the threat of terrorism. The outcome of the elections will have implications for Pakistan’s relations with India, its neighbor and rival.

    The main contenders in the Pakistan elections are Nawaz Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N), Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), and Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). PML-N is expected to be the largest party, followed by PPP, PTI, and other parties.

    Imran Khan, the former prime minister, is still in prison, while Nawaz Sharif is seen as the frontrunner for the top job. PTI is running without its famous cricket ‘bat’ symbol, after the Supreme Court confirmed the election commission’s decision to take it away.

    How India Views Pakistan Elections?

    India, which is also heading for its Lok Sabha elections by May, could pose more problems for Pakistan’s new government if the Narendra Modi-led government wins a strong majority. New Delhi has been keeping a close watch on its neighbour’s activities before the elections, especially the role of the Pakistan Army in picking the next prime minister.

    India has repeatedly expressed its worries about Pakistan’s continued support for terrorism, leading the Narendra Modi-led government to take a tougher approach on national security issues.

    Army’s Blessing For Nawaz Sharif

    The Pakistan Army’s sway over the country’s politics is well-known, with accusations of election rigging to favor its chosen candidates. In the 2018 elections, the Pakistan Army effectively “picked” Imran Khan, a former cricket star-turned-politician, to replace Nawaz Sharif as the leader of the PML(N).

    Imran Khan became the prime minister after Nawaz Sharif’s conviction, but Nawaz Sharif was later allowed to leave the country, and came back in October 2023, when all of a sudden all the cases against him disappeared. Experts have suggested that this time, Nawaz Sharif has the army’s support.

    In the Pakistan election 2024, Pakistan Army chief general Asim Munir will strengthen his control over the political leadership of the country. The elections are important as for the first time in Pakistan’s history, the popularity of a civilian leader (Imran Khan) challenged the army’s dominance.

    Experts’ Take On Pak Elections

    Former Indian diplomat KP Fabian has said that the elections in Pakistan will be neither free nor fair, and that the real power will be held by the army chief. He said that whoever becomes prime minister, the army chief will have the final say. He also said that Pakistan is in deep disarray politically, economically, and socially because of terrorism.

    He criticized the imprisonment of Imran Khan and his wife, saying that the charges against him do not stand scrutiny. He also said that the justice system in Pakistan has disappeared.

    Meanwhile, Former Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria has said that the elections are the most predictable and the most rigged, because the army is manipulating the process to get the government it wants. He said that it is widely expected that Nawaz Sharif and his PML-N party will be the army’s choice. He said that this is fairly accurate.