Pakistan General Elections 2024: Which political party will be your pick to win the upcoming general elections?

Which political party would be your pick to win the upcoming general elections 2024 in Pakistan?

  • MQM Pakistan

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Jamiat e Islami(JI)

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • ANP

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • JUI-F

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Total voters
    55
After the recent events, Establishment will make sure their ilk are in the hot seat.

An there's no chance of a majority.
 
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), while acting on the recommendations of security agencies, has added 13 more polling stations in Hyderabad district to the highly sensitive list raising the total from 168 to 181. These poll- ing stations will now have the presence of not only local police but also special personnel from the Pakistan Army and Rangers. The district police have finalised a foolproof security plan for the upcoming general elections.

A total of 883 polling stations have been designated for three National Assembly and six Sindh Assembly seats within Hyderabad district. Out of these, 34 are allocated for men, 327 for women, and 214 are joint polling stations. Moreover, seven temporary polling stations will be set up in open spaces. The total count of poll- ing booths will reach 3,218, including 1,700 for male and 1,518 for female voters.

Initially, the ECP had identified 168 polling stations as “highly sensitive” out of the 883, but due to the evolving situation, this number has been increased to 181. Moreover, 365 polling stations are now classified as “sensitive”, while 337 are considered normal. Security personnel from the Pakistan Army and Rangers will be deployed at the “highly sensitive” polling stations. Army commandos will be on standby for immediate deployment, if required.

Meanwhile, the district police have finalised an extensive security plan for the elections. District police spokesperson Owais Rajput announced that over 4,500 police personnel will be deployed across the district. Hyderabad has been divided into six zones, 13 sectors, and 28 sub-sectors for security purposes on the election day. SP rank officers will oversee the zones, DSP rank officers will supervise the sectors, and SHOs will supervise the sub-sectors. To enhance security arrangements, a quick response force (QRF) comprising 40 vehicles and 320 personnel has been established.

This force can be promptly deployed in case of emergencies. In addition, DSPs and SHOs, equipped with 41 mobiles, along with 300 police officers, will be patrolling the roads continuously. A dedicated election cell has been set up in the SSP office in Hyderabad ahead of the elections. This cell, operating around the clock, will function as the central control room of SSP Hyderabad starting February 8, monitoring the situation continuously. In addition to the election cell, a separate QRF Control Room is also being established to oversee and control QRF affairs.

It’s worth noting that 1,225,147 registered voters, out of a total population of 2,432,540, including 662,713 male and 562,434 female voters, will exercise their right to vote in Hyderabad district.

Source: Express Tribune

 
When Nawaz Sharif “wins”, it’ll be interesting to see whether he’ll be the first PM to complete his term.
 
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When Nawaz Sharif “wins”, it’ll be interesting to see whether he’ll be the first PM to complete his term.
this reminds me of the ays back in 2022, 1 year left till the national assembly would abolish and pti fans did a bhangra even before that he will become the first pm to complete his term.

But in two months, the tide changed such a away, pti fans are crying till this day
 
When Nawaz Sharif “wins”, it’ll be interesting to see whether he’ll be the first PM to complete his term.

The establishment will give him 3.5-4 years (cue "Mujhe Kyun Nikala" after that). Then Bilawal is next in line.
 
The establishment will give him 3.5-4 years (cue "Mujhe Kyun Nikala" after that). Then Bilawal is next in line.

Personally, I think he’ll complete his full term after Asim gets his extension. The 2028 election will probably see Maryam Nawaz leading the party to become the next PM.

this reminds me of the ays back in 2022, 1 year left till the national assembly would abolish and pti fans did a bhangra even before that he will become the first pm to complete his term.

But in two months, the tide changed such a away, pti fans are crying till this day

If you consider yourself a liberal then it should’ve been a sad day for you as well.

No, he wasn’t voted out democratically. Before you compare it to our VOC, our MP’s don’t get paid to switch sides.
 
Balochistan Caretaker Information Minister Jan Achakzai said that internet service will be suspended around sensitive polling station in the province during the 8th February’s General Elections 2024, ARY News reported.

As per details, Jan Achakzai said that the internet services will be temporarily suspended before the elections 2024 in the wake of the terrorism alert. He said that the internet service would be restricted in Turbat, Mach, Chaman and other areas of the province.

Jan Achakzai said that ensuring the safety of civilians is the utmost priority of the caretaker government. He said that terrorists might use social media to carry out the violence during the general elections.

“Terrorists can use social media platforms for communication purposes,” Jan Achakzai said and added that internet access will be limited in various areas including Turbat, Mach, Chaman.

Earlier in the day, Balochistan government has imposed restrictions on public meetings and election gatherings amid the terrorism threats.

Caretaker Information Minister Jan Achakzai in a social media statement announced ban adding that the step has been taken in view of a terror alert, pointing out presence of a suspected woman suicide bomber in Balochistan’s seat of government.

Source: ARY

 
Personally, I think he’ll complete his full term after Asim gets his extension. The 2028 election will probably see Maryam Nawaz leading the party to become the next PM.



If you consider yourself a liberal then it should’ve been a sad day for you as well.

No, he wasn’t voted out democratically. Before you compare it to our VOC, our MP’s don’t get paid to switch sides.
You do know your mnas were paid to join pti when tareens airplane was toaming around?

This was something that every pti celebrated and enjoyed.

So its ok if you pay them to join but wrong if they leave
 
You do know your mnas were paid to join pti when tareens airplane was toaming around?

This was something that every pti celebrated and enjoyed.

So its ok if you pay them to join but wrong if they leave

They were independents, there’s a difference between gathering mna’s to form a coalition and buying mna’s to leave a party to overthrow the government.
 
They were independents, there’s a difference between gathering mna’s to form a coalition and buying mna’s to leave a party to overthrow the government.
The independants also voted for the ouster of Imran.

You can argue anyway you want, but the truth is Imran is the only PM of Pakistan to lose the confidence of the people.

We Pakistanis removed him proudly :)
 
Can the “Prisoner No 804″, Khan’s jail ID, can still do the impossible and lead his party to win in this week's national elections? Well, he is trying.

Imran and his PTI are not giving up on his political comeback. The PTI is using a combination of technology, social media, and new candidates to mobilize his millions of supporters and defy the military-backed government.

One of the key strategies that the PTI is employing is artificial intelligence (AI) voice generation. The party is using this technology to produce Khan's speeches from notes smuggled out of prison by his lawyers. The speeches are then broadcasted on large screens at public rallies or streamed online, giving the impression that Khan is addressing his followers from his jail cell. The party claims that this is the first time that AI voice generation is being used for political purposes in Pakistan.

Another tactic that the PTI is using is social media, especially TikTok, the popular video-sharing app. Khan has over 10 million followers on TikTok, where he posts short videos of himself or his party workers. The party is also hosting virtual rallies on TikTok, where Khan's supporters can join live sessions and interact with him or other PTI leaders. The party says that this is a way of reaching out to the young and urban voters, who are the main base of the PTI.

"They can ban what they want, they can ban YouTube and TikTok, whatever they want but our vote is for Imran Khan," 18-year-old Imran Aziz, a first-time voter, told AFP at a bustling electronics market in the garrison city of Rawalpindi.

The PTI is also relying on new candidates, many of them inexperienced or unknown, to contest the election. The party says that this is a result of the government's crackdown on its workers and supporters, who have been arrested, harassed, or intimidated by the authorities. The party also says that the electoral commission's decision to revoke its cricket bat symbol, which was associated with Khan's former career as a cricketer, has forced it to field independent candidates with different symbols. For example, Rehena Dar, a 70-year-old woman who is running for the PTI in Sialkot, Punjab, has a baby's cot as her symbol.

The PTI faces many obstacles and challenges in its campaign, including the censorship of its posters and banners, the lack of media coverage, and the influence of the powerful military, which controls key institutions and media outlets. The party also has to compete with the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), the opposition Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), and several smaller parties.

"They have apps, they have online speeches, they've done a Tiktok jalsa (gathering) which is unprecedented, at least in Pakistan, so they have a way of innovating and it's always been the case," Ramsha Jahangir, a technology journalist, told AFP.

But the PTI's main strength is its appeal to the disillusioned and frustrated voters, who are fed up with the status quo and inspired by Khan's anti-corruption and reform agenda. "In contrast to the assessment that a PML-N win is a done deal, is the view that Imran Khan’s charismatic appeal and the success with which he has mobilised the latent anti-military sentiment that paradoxically exists amongst many in Pakistan should not be underestimated and the election may still throw up a surprising result,"

Source: The Times of India
 

Elections 2024: ANP to support MQM-P in various Karachi constituencies​

Awami National Party (ANP) has announced ‘unconditional’ support for Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan’s (MQM-P) candidates in five constituencies of Karachi South for the General Elections 2024, ARY News reported citing ANP sources.

As per details, the MQM-P delegation called on ANP Sindh leaders during which the latter announced to withdraw its candidates from NA-240 and NA-241 in favour of the. Dr. Arshad Vohra and Dr. Farooq Sattar of the MQM-P are contesting the elections from NA-240 and NA-241 respectively.

The ANP also withdrew its candidates from PS-108, PS-109 and PS-110 while announcing unconditional support for the MQM-P candidates. The ANP spokesperson said that the party’s Sindh President Shahi Syed also approved the decision.

The MQM-P delegation included Dr. Arshad Vohra, Dilawar Khan, Iftikhar Qaim Khani while from the ANP Haji Hanif, Shah Agha and Ishaq Swati were present in the meeting.

The development came hours after the MQM-P announced to support ANP Sindh President Shahi Syed candidate on PS-88 Karachi in the upcoming polls in general election 2024.

Addressing a joint press conference, Senior Deputy Convener of MQM-P Syed Mustafa Kamal said that his party will unconditionally support Shahi Syed of ANP.

He termed the adjustment between the two parties in Karachi as a historic step in provincial and central politics. Reacting to Kamal’s comments, Shahi Syed said that both parties will work on solving the problems of provincial capital as ANP also ‘possesses’ the street power.

Source: Ary News
 
The National Assembly of Pakistan has 336 seats, 266 of which are directly elected.

kRTeBUt.jpg
 
Bro missed including the name of the most organized, the strongest and the most resourceful political party in pakistan in the poll.
 
Pakistan's election looks more like a coronation or a sure bet. Many voters are disillusioned

Pakistan is holding parliamentary elections this week but many voters are disillusioned and wonder if the balloting can bring any real change in a country mired in political feuding, a seemingly intractable economic crisis and resurgent militancy.

Forty-four political parties will compete on Thursday for a share of the 266 seats in the National Assembly, or the lower house of parliament, with an additional 70 seats reserved for women and minorities.

After the election, the new parliament will choose the country’s next prime minister. If no party wins an outright majority, then the one with the biggest share of assembly seats can form a coalition government.

Many experts agree that in Pakistan’s political landscape today, there really seems to be only one top contender for the post of premier — Nawaz Sharif, a three-times former prime minister who has returned to the country and been absolved of past convictions.

Sharif came back last October after four years of self-imposed exile in London to avoid serving prison sentences. Within weeks of his return, his sentences were thrown out and his convictions overturned.


 
There is only one Moenjo Darro in Sindh but PPP is bound to make the whole province a ruin reflecting past glory, said Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) addressing a grand power show in the Mirpurkhas city on Monday.

Rizvi criticised PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for accusing MQM-P of being agents of Indian intelligence service RAW, "It was you, the PPP people who hijacked an airplane, attacked oil refinery of Pakistan, and wrote letters to India to attack the country and you have the audacity of calling us raw agents," Rizvi said.

He reminded the PPP chairman of signing an agreement with MQM-P in March 2022, "if you (Bilawal) are true to your claim, why didn't you thought of at the time of the agreement?" he said and added that, it is PPP habit to beseech support of MQM-P at time of need and then make accusations against it.

The MQM-P leader went on to remind that PPP has embezzled billions of rupees worth of funds released by the centre.

Moreover, the medical facilities PPP claims to have provided to the people of Sindh were the work of individuals with the donations of expatriates.

He said that Institute of Liver Surgery in Gambat was the achievement of Dr. Rahim Bux Bhatti, he was helped by Pakistanis living abroad, but PPP put its plaque on it.

Source: The Express Tribune
 

‘Guerilla campaign’: How Imran Khan is fighting Pakistan election from jail​


Like much of his party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Ilyas had been swamped by a sense of uncertainty. Their charismatic leader, former Prime Minister Imran Khan, has been in jail for months. Senior party officials are in hiding. Campaigning in any meaningful way for the February 8 elections to the National Assembly and provincial legislatures appeared difficult, if not near-impossible.

Then an idea struck the Chicago-based social media lead for PTI. It was December when Ilyas and his team sent across a message to Khan in jail, through the party’s lawyers.

“We saw the suppression against our party. We saw how depressed the people were. We saw some of our rallies scuttled by the authorities. It made us think, what if we try to hold a ‘virtual rally’ and dodge this ban on us,” Ilyas told Al Jazeera.

“He [Khan] was unclear what a virtual rally meant, and thought we would do something on Zoom. But we explained what we will do, that we will show testimonials from PTI chapters globally, and when we explained our idea, he gave the go-ahead,” the social media lead added.

On December 17, the PTI held what was arguably the first “virtual rally” in Pakistan, using a platform called StreamYard, reaching an audience of over five million across various platforms.

Ilyas and his team did not stop there. They had one more surprise lined up.

“When we go to a PTI rally, no matter who the other speakers are, people are there to listen to our leader. With him in jail for three months, people hadn’t heard him at all. So instead, we used AI [artificial intelligence] to generate his audio clip, and played it in the virtual rally,” Ilyas said.

Source: Al Jazeera
 
How religious does your party have to be to win an election in Pakistan?

Why have, say, the Jamaat-i-Islami or the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam’s Samiul Haq never won enough votes to form the national government on their own in Pakistan? We are, after all, a country that was created in the name of Islam. Shouldn’t religious parties win more votes?

Two major reasons to explain this: The will of the people of Pakistan has to be accounted for. You ignore popular concerns such as the prices of petrol, potatoes, and power at your peril. Then you have to factor in those who control the levers of the Pakistani state and society. The powers-that-be play an outsized role in the electoral battlefield with their constituency-level lieutenants (read: electable politicians, who can sway election results one way or the other depending on the muscle of their biradari or the depth of their pockets).

Whoever wants to form the government must either have the blessings of the puppet masters, or be able to harness enough popular endorsement by personifying the will of the people. From Zulfikar Ali Bhutto to Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif to Imran Khan, however, none of the mainstream leaders have managed to unlock the second route to power. Thus, the tried-and-tested ingredient to forming a national government is electables who can reach the right numbers.

There are over two dozen religious political parties registered with the Election Commission of Pakistan. They all share the goal of Sharia-based governance. Some of them, such as the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam — Fazl (JUI-F) and the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) have wisened up, which means they may do well on February 8. The JUI-F stands out for its Deoband lineage, its sway over the Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, and its consistent electoral successes in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and northern Balochistan.

The TLP has also done well in a short span of time; their election strategies are worth looking at, as are those of other parties standing in 2024.

The TLP election strategy
The TLP, which originated as a single-issue mass movement (see box), is contesting the February 8 election on the ‘Islam, Pakistan aur Awam’ slogan that combines its niche with the nationalism card and the popular mandate.

It led a three-week long countrywide march to protest skyrocketing petrol prices in the summer of 2023. More recently, it has gone against the party founder’s creed and started mobilizing women. The TLP has fielded women candidates on general seats this time and has been holding women conventions as part of its election campaign.

The TLP has also selected candidates who are electables and politically loyal. For instance, its panel in Attock from where the party leader, Saad Rizvi, is contesting an NA seat, is made up of quintessential electables such as Syed Altaf Shah Gillani and Amanat Khan Rawal. The former is among the post-May 9 Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf defectors and the latter has an impressive track record. In 2018, Rawal secured 39,000 votes in a three-way race for the provincial assembly seat, PP-IV, in Attock, trailing his PML-N opponent by 771 votes and the PTI winner by almost 10,000 votes.

In Karachi’s Lyari constituency where the TLP nominee was ahead of Bilawal Bhutto in 2018, the party has fielded an influential timber trader from the Gujrati Memon community, Sharjeel Goplani. Similarly, one of its candidates in Lahore, Malik Nawaz Guddu, will be banking on the fortunes made in the city’s real estate boom.

With this tried and tested strategy, and some blessings from the powers-that-be, the TLP’s best case scenario may be to secure a few seats each in the National, Punjab, and Sindh assemblies based on its strong presence in north-central Punjab and Karachi. And if not, the party may still retain a decent share in the overall vote.

Source: Dawn News
 
As the political arena is set for the February 8 general elections, all eyes are on Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and its stronghold in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Province (KP).

In a landscape marked by shifting allegiances and emerging challenges, the question looms large: Will PTI sustain its bastion against the odds?

Since its ascent in 2013, PTI has carved a significant niche for itself in Pakistan's political landscape, with KPK playing a pivotal role in its rise to prominence. Leveraging his Pashtun lineage and tapping into the region's geostrategic significance, Imran Khan skillfully navigated the political terrain, particularly amidst protests against US drone strikes in the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).

With the renaming of NWFP as KP and the fulfilment of key demands post the 18th amendment, PTI capitalized on the void left by incumbent parties, notably the ANP's lacklustre governance, to embed itself within KPK's cultural fabric.

The infusion of new faces, predominantly from non-political backgrounds, breathed fresh vigour into PTI's narrative, resonating with the aspirations of KPK's populace.

In contrast to Punjab, where PTI mostly relied on traditional politicians, the party's strategic embrace of grassroots leaders fostered a deeper connection with the electorate. This grassroots approach, coupled with PTI's adept navigation of regional dynamics, blurred traditional party lines and bolstered its standing in regions historically dominated by other parties in pockets.

The residents of KP considered PTI as their voice at the national level just like Sindis consider PPP and Punjabis used to consider PML-N.

Imran Khan, while accommodating some traditional politicians, mostly introduced new faces in KPK who belonged to the non-political class. People like Murad Saeed, Atif Khan, Ali Muhammad Khan, Sharhryar Afridi, and Asad Qaisar became PTI’s faces in the KPK.

In Punjab, PTI though tried some new faces, but mostly it banked on traditional politicians and electables who joined PTI leaving their parties as new temporary abodes before they could return to their old homes.

Traditionally, in KPK’s provincial capital Peshawar and its adjoining districts there used to be PPP, ANP and some religious parties as main contenders, in the South it was a mixed trend but dominated by JUI-F and PPP. Jamat e Islami and PPP had strong roots in the Malakand region, while the Hazara Belt belonged to PML-N.

Former FATA areas used to be dominated by independents, usually out of bounds for the political parties before they were merged into settled areas of KPK just before the 2018 general elections.

PTI blurred this peculiar distinction in electoral division and emerged as a strong political force throughout the KPK even in the Hazara belt which was considered the Muslim League’s bastion.

It was for the first time in the recent history of KPK that a party, PTI, could form two successive governments in the province in 2013 and 2018. The party is still a formidable contender against all odds in the country, especially in KPK.

Various surveys during the last few weeks, polls opined that PTI still holds significant popularity in the province.

The upcoming elections present a litmus test for PTI's resilience, particularly in the face of evolving political dynamics. The erstwhile FATA regions, now part of KPK, pose a unique challenge, with PTI contending with a diverse array of competitors, including PTM, JUI-F, and independents. In the southern belt, PTI faces a tight race against JUI-F, with PPP also vying for a foothold. Meanwhile, in central KPK districts, ANP and PTI-P pose formidable challenges, reflecting the intricate tapestry of regional politics.

Seat adjustments between different parties, normally arch rivals and factional manoeuvring further add complexity to the electoral landscape, with ANP, Qaumi Watan Party, and PTI's breakaway faction PTI-Parliamentarian vying for influence in Charsada and Nowshera. Similarly, in the Malakand and Hazara regions, PTI faces strong competition from Jamat-e-Islami, JUI-F, and PML-N, respectively.

Amidst these challenges, analysts offer divergent perspectives on PTI's prospects. Professor Tahir Naeem Malik, an academician who keeps a close eye on the country’s politics underscores PTI's grassroots appeal and its strategic deployment of local leaders, highlighting the party's potential to navigate shifting electoral dynamics.

However, senior journalist Rehmat Mehsood from erstwhile FATA areas warns of obstacles, citing concerns over a lack of a level playing field and PTI's recent setbacks including crackdown on party’s known figures, court convictions of PTI supremo Imran Khan and stripping party of its election symbol would discourage its voters. He predicts a potential resurgence for JUI-F, emphasizing that the religious party in its recent election campaigns is promising to focus on health, education and other service delivery matters contrary to its usual narrative centred around religious narrative. In this recalibration of the narrative towards governance issues, many analysts believe JUI-F also has some backing from powerful quarters.

JUI-F chief Maulana Fazl ur Rehman has recently paid a visit to Afghanistan where he met Taliban leadership ruling the war-torn country. In the changing regional dynamics, Fazl ur Rehman can play an important role in bridging the growing trust deficit between Kabul and Islamabad.

PTI finds itself at a crossroads, tasked with safeguarding its bastion in KPK amidst a landscape marked by uncertainty and opportunity. Whether it can weather the storm and emerge triumphant once again remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the battle for KPK's political soul will shape the trajectory of PTI as a leading player in Pakistan's political landscape for years to come.

Source: The Express Tribune
 
Pakistan goes to the polls on Thursday. But will the military be the real winner? And what does a cricket bat tell us about the state of politics in the country?

Here's what you need to know about the elections - and why they matter.

Who are the contenders?

Former cricketer Imran Khan, leader of the PTI party, is still the most popular politician in the country, according to polls.

But there's just one big issue - he's in jail and banned from even competing.

Days before the vote, the former prime minister was sentenced to 10 years for leaking state secrets, 14 for corruption and seven for an "illegal" marriage. He says the charges are politically motivated.

Thousands of members of Khan's party are behind bars too. Those left have been forced to stand as independents.

Khan’s team are making the most of their media savviness though - pumping out rallies on TikTok and YouTube. He has even used artificial intelligence to get his voice heard from behind bars.

But his party’s famous cricket bat symbol, which appears on the ballot paper, has been banned. That matters because in Pakistan, around 40% of people are illiterate, so they look for the logo to vote for the right party.

Meanwhile, the military is looming large over this election. The army wields considerable influence over Pakistan's political system and candidates vying for power often seek the support of its generals.

For many years Nawaz Sharif has been a thorn in the side of the army. But now the man who’s spent more time in power than anyone else since 1990, is believed to be their chosen candidate.

He’s spent time inside for his own corruption scandal- only recently returning from exile in London. But some in the international community consider him a safe, predictable pair of hands.

Sharif may likely end up in a coalition with dynastic kingmaker Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

He’s the 35-year-old son of former prime minister Benazir who was assassinated in 2007. The Oxford graduate has promised to double salaries and end the politics of hate.

Both Bhutto Zardari and Sharif are vowing to restore some stability to Pakistan. That won’t be easy to achieve in a country where so many feel disenfranchised and disillusioned by political dysfunction.

What are the main issues?

The country has been on a wild ride recently, from assassination attempts and protests to terror attacks and controversial cricket bats. And what happens in the country could affect the rest of the world.

Pakistan has nuclear arms and volatile borders - and that is not a great mix.

More than 1,500 people were killed in terrorist attacks in Pakistan last year, according to the South Asia Terrorism Portal. That's up by more than 50% compared with 2021.

The Pakistani government has blamed the Taliban in neighbouring Afghanistan for harbouring militants. Last year, Pakistan started kicking out 1.7 million Afghan refugees, along with other undocumented foreigners.

Then there’s India, another nuclear-armed nation and long-term rival of Pakistan.

There have been decades of cross border conflicts in Kashmir. Some think contender Sharif might help normalise relations.

Pakistan needs to keep things calm with Iran too after both launched missile strikes at each other last month.

Sharif and Bhutto Zardari are expected to embrace America more. Things took a very chilly turn when Khan accused Washington of a conspiracy to topple him, when he was prime minister.

But if the US wants a counterweight to China they’ll have to work hard. Beijing has become a major ally of Pakistan.

There's also a big economic crisis. For ordinary people, a spiralling economy and skyrocketing inflation is causing a lot of hurt. If it’s not fixed, the only way is down.

The risk is that, combined with a government lacking popular support and a public that believes the election was “rigged,” could lead to huge social unrest.

Source: Sky News

 
Pakistan goes to the polls on Thursday. But will the military be the real winner? And what does a cricket bat tell us about the state of politics in the country?

Here's what you need to know about the elections - and why they matter.

Who are the contenders?

Former cricketer Imran Khan, leader of the PTI party, is still the most popular politician in the country, according to polls.

But there's just one big issue - he's in jail and banned from even competing.


Days before the vote, the former prime minister was sentenced to 10 years for leaking state secrets, 14 for corruption and seven for an "illegal" marriage. He says the charges are politically motivated.

Thousands of members of Khan's party are behind bars too. Those left have been forced to stand as independents.

Khan’s team are making the most of their media savviness though - pumping out rallies on TikTok and YouTube. He has even used artificial intelligence to get his voice heard from behind bars.

But his party’s famous cricket bat symbol, which appears on the ballot paper, has been banned. That matters because in Pakistan, around 40% of people are illiterate, so they look for the logo to vote for the right party.

Meanwhile, the military is looming large over this election. The army wields considerable influence over Pakistan's political system and candidates vying for power often seek the support of its generals.

For many years Nawaz Sharif has been a thorn in the side of the army. But now the man who’s spent more time in power than anyone else since 1990, is believed to be their chosen candidate.

He’s spent time inside for his own corruption scandal- only recently returning from exile in London. But some in the international community consider him a safe, predictable pair of hands.

Sharif may likely end up in a coalition with dynastic kingmaker Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

He’s the 35-year-old son of former prime minister Benazir who was assassinated in 2007. The Oxford graduate has promised to double salaries and end the politics of hate.

Both Bhutto Zardari and Sharif are vowing to restore some stability to Pakistan. That won’t be easy to achieve in a country where so many feel disenfranchised and disillusioned by political dysfunction.

What are the main issues?

The country has been on a wild ride recently, from assassination attempts and protests to terror attacks and controversial cricket bats. And what happens in the country could affect the rest of the world.

Pakistan has nuclear arms and volatile borders - and that is not a great mix.

More than 1,500 people were killed in terrorist attacks in Pakistan last year, according to the South Asia Terrorism Portal. That's up by more than 50% compared with 2021.

The Pakistani government has blamed the Taliban in neighbouring Afghanistan for harbouring militants. Last year, Pakistan started kicking out 1.7 million Afghan refugees, along with other undocumented foreigners.

Then there’s India, another nuclear-armed nation and long-term rival of Pakistan.

There have been decades of cross border conflicts in Kashmir. Some think contender Sharif might help normalise relations.

Pakistan needs to keep things calm with Iran too after both launched missile strikes at each other last month.

Sharif and Bhutto Zardari are expected to embrace America more. Things took a very chilly turn when Khan accused Washington of a conspiracy to topple him, when he was prime minister.

But if the US wants a counterweight to China they’ll have to work hard. Beijing has become a major ally of Pakistan.

There's also a big economic crisis. For ordinary people, a spiralling economy and skyrocketing inflation is causing a lot of hurt. If it’s not fixed, the only way is down.

The risk is that, combined with a government lacking popular support and a public that believes the election was “rigged,” could lead to huge social unrest.

Source: Sky News



Arent we the joke of the world? Just read the first few lines. This not a PTI supporter talking or a pro PTI news channel or media outlet. This is SKY News.


They are stating that IMRAN KHAN is THE MOST POPULAR VOTE and he cannot contest. These lines say a lot.
 
Arent we the joke of the world? Just read the first few lines. This not a PTI supporter talking or a pro PTI news channel or media outlet. This is SKY News.


They are stating that IMRAN KHAN is THE MOST POPULAR VOTE and he cannot contest. These lines say a lot.
Yep every one around the world knows it but still PTI will lose the election tomorrow owing to rigging.
 
Yep every one around the world knows it but still PTI will lose the election tomorrow owing to rigging.
PTI is not even contesting the elections. The candidates are contesting as independents. even if they win, it does not mean PTI won. Because they will try whatever means necessary to stop that from happening. they may buy these winning indepent candidates out as well.

This whole thing is a joke. I hope there is mutiny from within and Munir is overthrown. Thats the only way I see how things could change for the better. Or else we will see another 3.5 years of NS followed by Bilawal in 2028.
 

Bilawal sees PML-N securing ‘not even 100 seats’​

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has said that as per his experience from the campaign trail all over the country, “the ground reality is that the PML-N is not even reaching 100 seats by far”.

He said it remained to be seen what the people decided.

Source: Dawn News
 
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari challenged the “myth” that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government fared better than his party’s government in Sindh, expressing the hope that the people would vote for “real” performance.

Bilawal, who is contesting on three National Assembly constituencies from Larkana, Shahdadkot and Lahore, said in a series of tweets on microblogging website X, that it remained the “fact” that the PPP was better at managing the economy.

Bilawal cited a book, authored by prominent economist Hafiz Pasha, titled ‘Human Security in Pakistan’, in his tweets, saying that Sindh performed better than Punjab in many areas. He also recalled his challenge to the PML-N leaders for a debate.

“It is truly unfortunate that PMLN did not agree to a debate for PM candidates. One myth I hoped to address is the fiction that due to PMLN, Punjab performs better than other provinces,” the PPP chairman wrote in one of his posts.

“As Hafiz Pasha’s book; ‘Human Security in Pakistan’ demonstrates. Sindh now preforms better than Punjab in many areas. Such as governance, freedom from want, freedom from fear, gross regional income and human security over all,” he continued.

“PMLN knows this and this is why they ran away from a debate. Unfortunately the media perpetuates the myth of PMLNs performance. The people know the truth. IA the people will vote for real performance over ‘showbazi’ tomorrow,” he added.

In another post on X, Bilawal shared data about Pakistan’s exports of goods and services, and said that everyone agreed that increasing exports was the only way out for country from the ongoing economic crisis.

Source: The Express Tribune
 
It actually makes me sick from my throat down to my stomach - how nawaz, shabaz, Maryam,Bilawal all can walk around election time waving their hands, smiling away as possible future leaders of Pakistan - I mean how?

Is that all the country has to offer, these narcissistic sick corrupt lying individuals.

It’s beggars belief - a country of nearly 200 million people and these guys come on top as possible leaders….

It’s not corruption it’s a sign of “end of time”…..
 
If PTI is given a fair chance as 20%... I am sure they will sweep this election but point is that will they get any free hand... very unlikely!
 
No political party is going to win the 2/3rd majority. It will be the elections of independents and they are the kingmakers this time.
 
Elections 2024: Polling starts across country amid fears of violence, suspended mobile service

Voting has commenced at 8 am at polling stations across Pakistan, the world's fifth biggest democracy, for the national and provincial assemblies as over 128 million registered voters exercise their right to vote till 5 pm.

Amid recent terrorist attacks plaguing the nation and claiming numerous precious lives, the government has taken swift action to ensure the safety and security of its citizens. Mobile services have been temporarily suspended across the country as a proactive measure to maintain peace and order amidst potential threats.

The decision to suspend mobile services was announced today by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Interior, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the necessity for stringent security measures. This step aims to disrupt any potential communication channels utilized by terrorist elements, thereby aiding law enforcement agencies in their efforts to thwart any planned attacks and safeguard innocent lives.

While the temporary suspension of mobile services may cause inconvenience to the public, the government emphasizes that it is a critical step in the ongoing battle against terrorism. Citizens are urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with security forces to ensure the swift restoration of normalcy. This move underscores the government's unwavering commitment to combat terrorism and uphold the safety and well-being of its people.

The nation stands united in solidarity against those who seek to sow chaos and instability, reaffirming its resilience in the face of adversity.

SOURCE: SAMAA
 
which city are you currently in because networks are still working atm. Maybe later in the day, we may see them going off.
Rawalpindi.

Islamabad updates reporting they shut signals all voer the country
 
Just 2 hours since the polling started and the voices are already up for Rigging. Norm in elections?

------------------

‘Beginning of election day rigging’: Nawaz Khokhar

Reacting to the suspension of mobile phone services, former PPP leader and independent candidate Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar said that shutting down mobile networks on polling day "is the beginning of election day rigging".

Taking to his X handle, formerly known as Twitter, the former senator said that cutting candidates off from their agents and staff on election day was unacceptable.

“By the time news comes out election would have been stolen,” he added.

He is contesting elections from NA-47 and 48.

GEO
 
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They have suspended cellular service data in Pakistan on the day of the general election under the pretext of security threats. Phattus
 
They have suspended cellular service data in Pakistan on the day of the general election under the pretext of security threats. Phattus
This is another way of rigging. that is why EVM was the best way to keep these kind of things out of context to influence the results,
 
Independent candidate Amir Dogar leading from NA-149 by 13,240 votes.

It will be embarrassing for Jahangir Tareen if he loses from this constituency.

1707421281795.png
 
It actually makes me sick from my throat down to my stomach - how nawaz, shabaz, Maryam,Bilawal all can walk around election time waving their hands, smiling away as possible future leaders of Pakistan - I mean how?

Is that all the country has to offer, these narcissistic sick corrupt lying individuals.

It’s beggars belief - a country of nearly 200 million people and these guys come on top as possible leaders….

It’s not corruption it’s a sign of “end of time”…..

This is the first time the entire country has united to give a big finger to these crooks. These status quo politicians still believe this is the 90's. The people on the streets were very angry this time over the VONC in April 2022 and the May 9, 2023 crackdown.
 
Wow Rana Sanaullah losing big time from his Faisalabad constituency. This will hurt PMLN big time.
 
It’s not over.. the boots will do all they can to have their way.
 
Results are unexpected and till now, in the favor of PTI-backed candidates. In some areas, the results changed drastically but so far so good.
 
PTI-backed candidate wins NA-25

PTI-backed candidate Fazal Muhammad Khan has won NA-25 Charsadda II, securing a total of 100,713 votes.
According to the Election Commission of Pakistan, Awami National Party’s Aimal Wali Khan came in second, with a total of 67,876 votes.

DAWN
 
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PML-N’s Marriyum Aurangzeb has said that the party will form the government in the Centre and Punjab.

In a post on X, she said that the results were still being received by the party’s election cell. “Due to the unavailability of mobile and internet services, it became difficult to get the results,” she said, adding that the party’s position was “strong”.

DAWN
 
This delay is nothing but another attempt to change the results in favor of certain candidates.

----------------------------------

Delay in poll results due to lack of communication: interior ministry

The interior ministry has said that it the media and the public’s concerns about the late processing of the results have been reviewed.

It attributed the delay to a “lack of communication, which was a result of preventive measures taken to ensure foolproof security”.

In a post on X, it said that the delay was assessed, stating that the situation was now “satisfactory”. It expressed hope that the arrival of results would continue without interruptions.
DAWN
 
Hamza Shehbaz edges Aliya Hamza in NA-118

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Hamza Shehbaz emerged victorious on Friday against independent candidate Aliya Hamza in NA-118.

The former Punjab chief minister had clinched victory, amassing 105960 votes.

Independent candidate Aliya Hamza had collected 100803 votes.

SAMAA
 
Wont say much (dont wanna get suspended from mine job AGAIN lol)

But, there is no chance of any other party/person in KP.

We were with Khan, we are, and we will be.

They broke their arms, their legs, cut their tongue, snatched BALLA, and then they were asked to enter into Elections and STILL PTI has done a clean sweep at least in KP (on ground lol).

And if it was a level playing field, they woulda done clean sweep in whole PK :)))
:))
 
Results now being manipulated , Rawalpindi N won though whole of the city voted for IND
 
PML N guys have gone quiet, They have silently accepted their defeat but still some powerful guys are doing what they wanted to do, that is to change the results overnight.
 
what a country if the people of Pakistan let the establishment get away with this blatant rigging
 
what a country if the people of Pakistan let the establishment get away with this blatant rigging

People came and voted even after not knowing the election symbol etc. Did you lot travel back to vote? No

Its easier said to go take on the establishment than done. People came out and voted in large numbers, now its up to the politicians what deal they make.
 
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Establishment was not expecting this onslaught by the voters and showing up in big number. Now they have ordered PEC to change the result, whatever it takes, hence results are not announced by ECP, 17 hours after closing of the polls.
 
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PML-Q’s Chaudhry Salik Hussain wins NA-64

PML-Q’s Chaudhry Salik Hussain has won in NA-64 (Gujrat III) with 105,205 votes, according to the Election Commission of Pakistan.

PTI-backed independent candidate Qaisara Elahi, the wife of Pervez Elahi, came second with 80,946 votes

DAWN
 
Elections 2024 Results: Independents bag 5 NA seats, PML-N, PPP each grab 4

The Election Management System has received results from various constituencies across Pakistan, providing insights into the unfolding electoral landscape.

In total, results from 103 constituencies have been received, shedding light on the composition of both the National and Provincial Assemblies. Among the National Assembly's 13 constituencies, a diverse mix of candidates has secured victories, including 5 independents, 4 from PML-N, and 4 from the People's Party.

Similarly, in Punjab Assembly's 13 constituencies, PML-N emerged as the leading party with 8 wins, followed by 3 independent candidates and 2 seats secured by PML-Q.

The Sindh Assembly results indicate a sweeping victory for the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), with successful outcomes in all 28 constituencies received thus far.

Moving to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, independent candidates dominated the electoral landscape, securing victory in 36 out of 39 constituencies. However, PML-N clinched two seats, while JUI secured one seat in the assembly.

Lastly, in Balochistan, the JUI-P emerged victorious in the received constituency results, reflecting the diverse political dynamics across the country.

These results provide a glimpse into the evolving political landscape of Pakistan, showcasing the varied electoral outcomes and the distribution of power among different political entities in the National and Provincial Assemblies.


SAMAA
 
That is why the results were delayed. This guy was winnings comfortably till last night and put of the blue moon, Tariq fazal has won. Joke of the century.

-------------------------------------------

'Results in NA-47 being changed,' PTI's Shoaib Shaheen complains to ECP

PTI-backed candidate lawyer Shoaib Shaheen has written to the ECP, complaining that results in NA-47 were being "changed in favour of PML-N's Tariq Fazal Chaudhry'.

"As per Form 45, I have won the election in NA-47," Shaheen claimed. "The screen outside the RO's office has suddenly been turned off," the PTI-backed candidate said.

"We have noticed that our results are being tampered with in favour of Tariq Fazal Chaudhry," he wrote, adding that he presented evidence to the RO but he did not entertain it.

"I am present outside the RO's office, but not being allowed inside," Shaheen said, requesting the ECP to direct the RO to announce results as per Form 45.

DAWN
 
Same story in NA 47 and NA 46.

Islamabadis voted for PTI in these areas along with Rawalpindi aswell.
 
Same story in NA 47 and NA 46.

Islamabadis voted for PTI in these areas along with Rawalpindi aswell.
These seats are rigged to turn the results in favor of PML n. PTI was winning by a huge margin but now they have been announced at 2nd place.
 
PTI leader Gohar Ali Khan wins NA-10

PTI leader Gohar Ali Khan has won NA-10 in Buner with 110,023 votes, according to the ECP.

ANP’s Abdul Rauf came second with 30,302 votes.

DAWN
 
if you look at the form from yasmin Rasheeds constituency, they basically converted the votes of other candidates to 0 and adjusted them in Nawaz's count.

the country is lawless
 
So boys it's a big victory for PTI in the elections. Unexpected.

Who do you think will be prime minister now? Surely Gohar Ali Khan for the time being.
 
So boys it's a big victory for PTI in the elections. Unexpected.

Who do you think will be prime minister now? Surely Gohar Ali Khan for the time being.
pti is losing. results have been changed. 2018 in repeat basically.

Nawaz won his seat and will be official in a few hours. Basically Nawaz is returning as pm.

Now PTI will have to go to PPP and say that they dont accept results, that is the last resort
 
Nawaz Sharif sweeps NA-130, solidifies political dominance

In the recent general elections, the complete results for National Assembly Constituency NA 130 have been officially declared, showcasing the electoral outcome in this crucial constituency.

The leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Nawaz Sharif, secured a significant victory, amassing an impressive 171,024 votes. This resounding support from the electorate solidifies his position as the chosen representative for NA 130.

In a closely watched contest, Dr. Yasmeen Rashid, another prominent candidate backed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), garnered substantial support with 115,043 votes. Despite a competitive race, Nawaz Sharif's lead in votes affirmed his success in NA 130.

Meanwhile, in National Assembly Constituency NA 119, the results remain non-final and unofficial at this stage. Maryam Nawaz, a prominent figure in the PML-N, emerged victorious with 83,855 votes. Her triumph in NA-119 underscores her continued influence and popularity among the electorate.

Shahzad Farooq, securing 68,376 votes, positioned himself as the runner-up in this constituency, awaiting the finalization of results. As the official confirmation is awaited, these preliminary outcomes provide a snapshot of the evolving political landscape in these constituencies.

SAMAA
 
Sardar Latif Khosa wins NA-122, defeating Khawaja Saad Rafiq

In a surprising turn of events, veteran politician Khawaja Saad Rafiq of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has been defeated in Lahore’s NA-122 constituency, according to unofficial results.

PTI-backed independent candidate Sardar Latif Khosa has emerged victorious, marking a significant upset in the highly anticipated race.

The preliminary data reveals that Sardar Latif Khosa secured an impressive 117,109 votes, overshadowing Khwaja Saad Rafiq, who garnered 77,709 votes and secured the second position in the race. This significant margin highlights the unexpected outcome and the potential shift in the political landscape of the constituency.

In response to the electoral outcome, Khwaja Saad Rafiq graciously acknowledged the people's choice, expressing his congratulations to Sardar Latif Khosa through a statement on social media. Rafiq stated his acceptance of the public's decision, offering prayers for the incoming parliament to unite and effectively navigate the national challenges.

SAMAA
 
According to ECP, till now, results for 67 seats have been confirmed:

Independents: 23
PPP: 22
PML N:18
 
where is the official count that is live?
The election commission of Pakistan is providing updates and according to them. independents are now leading with 41 seats out of 101 announced results.
 
Punjab Assembly Position after 154 results are announced till now. 142 still remaining. Independents leading here as well.

1707472595127.png
 
Independents are nearing a 50 seat mark. This is the position after 124 results are finialized as per ECP. Still 141 seats are reamaining.

rJJLDY7.png
 
PTI supporters celebrating the wins of their INDs as if that’s their win…

How will they feel about the INDs that sellout to PMLN and PPP?
 
Punjab Assembly Position after 154 results are announced till now. 142 still remaining. Independents leading here as well.

View attachment 142077
irrelevant.

The independents leading here means nothing, because the reserve seats that will be adjusted in National assembly will only be given to party and not independents. With PPP not winning here, a big chunk of reserves from here that will go to NA will all be in favor of PMLN. So thats like 30 reserves being made up here that go to PMLN.
 
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