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[VIDEOS] What impact will the rigging in the 2024 General Election have on Pakistan?

Politician gives up seat he says was rigged for his win

A Pakistan politician who won a seat in last week's controversial national elections has given it up because he says the vote was rigged in his favour.

Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman of the Jamaat-e-Islami party had been named the victor of the provincial assembly seat PS-129 in the city of Karachi.

But this week he claimed the candidate backed by Imran Khan's PTI party had secured far more votes and that their tally had been reduced.

As such he would relinquish the seat.

"If anyone wants to make us win in an illegitimate manner, we will not be accepting that," Mr Rehman said at a press conference held by his party on Monday.

He added: "Public opinion should be respected, let the winner win, let the loser lose, no one should get anything extra."

He said that while he had received more than 26,000 votes, the independent candidate Saif Bari, backed by the PTI, had received 31,000 votes - but these were presented as 11,000 votes.

Pakistani electoral authorities have denied the allegations. It is unclear who will take up the PS-129 seat now.

But the incident is just the latest highlighting the crisis around Pakistan's elections held last Thursday, which have been marred by allegations of widespread vote fraud and interference, which were said to have damaged candidates affiliated with Khan.

The former prime minister has been in jail since last August and his party was disqualified from the ballot, meaning that PTI candidates had to run as independents.

But despite these hurdles, voters overwhelmingly turned out across the country to cast votes in favour of his cause.

Independent candidates - a majority affiliated with the PTI - won 93 of the 265 National Assembly seats that were contested, the largest of any single party.

However the PTI argues such candidates should have won even more votes and more seats. They have alleged numerous instances of vote rigging, and welcomed the Islamist party's relinquishing of the Karachi seat this week.

Despite the PTI's success in the popular vote, Khan's rival parties - Nawaz Sharif's PML-N and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's PPP - earlier this week said they had reached a deal to form a government.

In last week's vote, the PML-N won 75 seats while the PPP came third with 54 seats. They have also reached an agreement to form a coalition with several smaller parties such as the MQM.

In addition, parties will be allocated more seats from the 70 reserved for women and non-Muslims. These additional seats are not available to independent candidates.

This means they will easily reach the required 169 seats needed to form a government.

PML-N and PPP were previously in a coalition that ousted Khan from power in 2022. Mr Sharif's brother Shehbaz took over at that time as prime minister; he is being presented again as the likely next leader of Pakistan.

Khan was ousted as prime minister in a parliamentary vote of no confidence, after which several criminal charges were laid against him. He was jailed for 14 years on various charges a week before the election, with several prison sentences to run concurrently. The 71-year-old has said the legal cases against him were fabricated and part of a wider political witch-hunt.

Pakistan's caretaker government has denied these allegations.

BBC
 
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Thursday announced support for the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) protest against alleged rigging in general elections.

Several political and nationalist parties united at the GDA platform will stage a sit-in protest at Hyderabad-Jamshoro Interchange on Friday (tomorrow).

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Sindh spokesperson announced that party workers will attend GDA’s sit-in. The Pir Pagara family has always fought to ensure Pakistan’s stability.

The statement alleged that the results of PTI and GDA winning candidates were changed on Form 47.

Meanwhile, preparations to stage a sit-in protest by the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) at Hyderabad-Jamshoro Interchange against alleged rigging in the general election have been finalised.

Demonstrats from Sanghar, Thar, Khairpur, Naushehro Feroze, Sukkur Shahdadpur, Matiari, Umerkot and other areas, carrying flags, banners of Functional League and GDA, and images of Pir Pagara have started the march towards the Hyderabad-Jamshoro Interchange.

Source: ARY

arynews.tv

PTI voices support for GDA's protest against 'election rigging'

KARACHI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Thursday announced support for the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) protest against alleged rigging in general
arynews.tv arynews.tv
 
I don't understand it, instead of protesting, they need to file petitions in high courts with evidence.
 
Gulam Sarwar also backed down in favor of PTI candidate citing the rigging and that PTI was the winner , Nawab Raisani from Balochistan also stepped down unfathomable it is , this election will be worldwide remembered for its unjustified and blanatant rigging , AlJazeera headline today theives of mandate to form govt. In Pakistan
 
Kianig89 said:
Gulam Sarwar also backed down in favor of PTI candidate citing the rigging and that PTI was the winner , Nawab Raisani from Balochistan also stepped down unfathomable it is , this election will be worldwide remembered for its unjustified and blanatant rigging , AlJazeera headline today theives of mandate to form govt. In Pakistan
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Not all these parties have total losers like Ns and Co. Some do have a bit of dignity left.
 
FearlessRoar said:
I don't understand it, instead of protesting, they need to file petitions in high courts with evidence.
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Yes and that will work. Isa and Co were always on board. The LHC sent Khawaja case back to ECP, explain that to me. How can an organisation so corrupt stop the theft. The plan is to kick into the long grass, which was always the plan. It would take 45min for each court to look at form 45s and then call in the ECP.
 
On one hand the hypocrites say that PTI doesn't have elasticity or maturity on the other hand when PTI picks the vibes of JUI and tries to engage with them then the trumpeter of u turn and blah blah starts, all in all PTI is the major stakeholder now accept it
 

Height of Hypocrisy or is she right?​

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PPP suffered many 'injustices' in Karachi: Shazia Marri​

PPP leader Shazia Marri has said the party suffered many "injustices" in Karachi and wants "justice for the voters".

She maintained that the PPP has "positive thinking" and the party wants political and economic stability in the country. Marri added that the party wants a functional parliament and would ask the incoming government to "implement its 10-point manifesto" .

Source: The Express Tribune
 
The Bald Eagle said:

Height of Hypocrisy or is she right?​

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PPP suffered many 'injustices' in Karachi: Shazia Marri​

PPP leader Shazia Marri has said the party suffered many "injustices" in Karachi and wants "justice for the voters".

She maintained that the PPP has "positive thinking" and the party wants political and economic stability in the country. Marri added that the party wants a functional parliament and would ask the incoming government to "implement its 10-point manifesto" .

Source: The Express Tribune
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Someone should ask this lady who has been ruling in Karachi for 16 years?

do they need aliens from another planet to serve this city?
 
Major said:
mqm
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haha i am from karachi and i know the political dynamics of this city very well.

Have u ever seen the CM of Sindh from MQM? How many seats MQM wins here and how much PPP does?

not saying that MQM is a party of saints but PPP is the one behind the distruction of this city.
 
Deputy Commissioner Islamabad refused to grant permission to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to hold a protest demonstration in the capital city on Saturday.

The administration rejected the PTI’s application, maintaining that demonstration cannot be allowed given Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) which is in force in the city.

The administration has also asked the citizens to avoid being a part of any political gathering. “Islamabad police should take action against those participating in the protest demonstration,” it added.

It is pertinent to mention here that the PTI called for nationwide protests on Saturday against what it called ‘rigging’ in the elections.


ARY News
 
Cricket Warrior said:
Deputy Commissioner Islamabad refused to grant permission to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to hold a protest demonstration in the capital city on Saturday.

The administration rejected the PTI’s application, maintaining that demonstration cannot be allowed given Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) which is in force in the city.

The administration has also asked the citizens to avoid being a part of any political gathering. “Islamabad police should take action against those participating in the protest demonstration,” it added.

It is pertinent to mention here that the PTI called for nationwide protests on Saturday against what it called ‘rigging’ in the elections.


ARY News
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Now they are not even allowed to record the protest against this farcical election because they know that the public's frustration wont be handled this time.
 
PTI supporters spark nationwide protests over alleged election rigging

Protests have erupted across Pakistan as supporters of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party take to the streets, alleging widespread electoral fraud in the recently concluded general elections of 2024.

In the city of Bannu, PTI activists staged a sit-in on Miran Shah Road, causing traffic disruptions and inconvenience to commuters. They voiced their concerns over irregularities in the electoral process, demanding transparency and accountability.

Meanwhile, in Muzaffargarh, PTI's protests intensified as party workers gathered at Khelari Chowk to denounce what they claim to be blatant electoral malpractice. Chants against election rigging echoed through the streets as PTI members vowed to challenge the alleged irregularities.

The protests extended to Multan, where PTI leaders called for demonstrations against the election results. Police detained Khalid Javaid Warrich, a local PTI official, during a visit to a school, sparking further tensions between the authorities and PTI supporters.

Adding to the outcry, PTI activists also staged a protest outside the High Court Chowk in Chobara, alleging gross misconduct during the electoral process and demanding a thorough investigation into the alleged rigging.

www.samaa.tv

PTI supporters spark nationwide protests over alleged election rigging

Protestors take to streets, demanding transparency and accountability in wake of 2024 general elections
www.samaa.tv www.samaa.tv
 
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CJP Isa refutes Rawalpindi commissioner's 'baseless' poll rigging allegations​


ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa has refuted the allegations made by Rawalpindi Commissioner Liaquat Ali Chattha against him [and Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja].

Chattha, who resigned from his position after admitting to facilitating electoral rigging under his watch, accused CEC Raja and CJP Isa of being complicit in the electoral rigging.

Responding to the allegations, CJP Isa, in a brief media conversation, asserted that the allegations of electoral fraud against him were baseless and lacked evidence.

He emphasised that while anyone could level allegations, they should be supported by evidence, noting that Chattha did not provide any evidence.

Justice Isa dismissed the allegations, stating that they lacked truth. He added that tomorrow, such accusations might escalate to include charges of theft and murder against him.

SUPREME COURT DECIDES NOT TO TAKE SUO MOTO NOTICE

Earlier, the Supreme Court decided not to take suo moto notice of the allegations raised by the former Rawalpindi commissioner.

According to sources, following Chattha's allegations, an important consultative session of judges was held in the Chief Justice's chamber. Justices Manzoor Akhtar, Yahya Afridi, Ayesha Malik and Athar Minallah participated in the session.

During the session, the judges deliberated on whether to assess the allegations brought by the Rawalpindi commissioner and consider taking suo moto notice.

Ultimately, the judges concluded not to take suo moto notice of the allegations.

Sources indicated that a case related to the elections was already scheduled for hearing on Feb 19, during which the aspects pertaining to the allegations made by the Rawalpindi commissioner would be examined.

Source: Dunya News
 
It is a general feeling throughout Pakistan that rigging was done in the election. In such scenario it is very unlikely to have a strong government without the support of the people who think their mandate was robbed.
 
hassan918 said:

CJP Isa refutes Rawalpindi commissioner's 'baseless' poll rigging allegations​


ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa has refuted the allegations made by Rawalpindi Commissioner Liaquat Ali Chattha against him [and Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja].

Chattha, who resigned from his position after admitting to facilitating electoral rigging under his watch, accused CEC Raja and CJP Isa of being complicit in the electoral rigging.

Responding to the allegations, CJP Isa, in a brief media conversation, asserted that the allegations of electoral fraud against him were baseless and lacked evidence.

He emphasised that while anyone could level allegations, they should be supported by evidence, noting that Chattha did not provide any evidence.

Justice Isa dismissed the allegations, stating that they lacked truth. He added that tomorrow, such accusations might escalate to include charges of theft and murder against him.

SUPREME COURT DECIDES NOT TO TAKE SUO MOTO NOTICE

Earlier, the Supreme Court decided not to take suo moto notice of the allegations raised by the former Rawalpindi commissioner.

According to sources, following Chattha's allegations, an important consultative session of judges was held in the Chief Justice's chamber. Justices Manzoor Akhtar, Yahya Afridi, Ayesha Malik and Athar Minallah participated in the session.

During the session, the judges deliberated on whether to assess the allegations brought by the Rawalpindi commissioner and consider taking suo moto notice.

Ultimately, the judges concluded not to take suo moto notice of the allegations.

Sources indicated that a case related to the elections was already scheduled for hearing on Feb 19, during which the aspects pertaining to the allegations made by the Rawalpindi commissioner would be examined.

Source: Dunya News
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He isn't going to convict himself is. Isa look like a dead man walking, he knows the boots have too much on him and could throw him under the bus everytime. I hope these criminals fight like ferrets in a sack and devour each other.
 
These elections have already become the worst ones since I started voting. Matter is getting even worse day by day and I am not sure that PMLN and PPP have anything left to form the government now.
 
FAFEN asks ECP to audit election results

The Free and Fair Election Network (Fafen) on Sunday urged the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to scrutinise the results of the constituencies, which had been challenged by political parties and candidates at the appropriate legal forums, using data analytics as well as forensics to “establish the legitimacy” of the outcome of this year’s general polls.

The network recommended that such an audit must include representatives nominated by the political parties concerned as well as independent observers to ensure the transparency and credibility of the process.

In addition, Fafen, while proposing to use a three-stage methodology for the audit of election results, said the ECP should also clarify about the legitimacy of multiple copies of Form-45 that were generated on the polling day as most of the challenges revolved around them and their consolidation.

According to a statement issued by Fafen, the election result audit methodology comprises three stages.

The first one involves assessing the availability, authentication, completeness and correctness of the election documentation including the result forms, and the consistency of information within them.

The second stage is about ascertaining the material effect of unverified forms on the outcome of the election and taking corrective action.

The third stage involves the determination of the omission or commission and accountability of election officials.

“The post-GE-2024 situation warrants an urgent and prompt response by the Election Commission to ascertain the veracity of the claims of illegalities and irregularities by political parties and candidates,” the statement read.

Fafen added that it was a prerequisite to establish that the results of this year’s general elections truly reflected the will of the people.

The think tank said that it had been advocating since 2013 that the ECP should conduct a scrutiny of the results of all constituencies before issuing the notification of the winners in an effort to strengthen the integrity of electoral outcomes and to minimise the post-polls disputes that linger on in election tribunals beyond legally stipulated deadlines.


tribune.com.pk

FAFEN asks ECP to audit election results | The Express Tribune

Network urges commission to clarify legality of multiple copies of Form-45
tribune.com.pk tribune.com.pk
 
Cricket Warrior said:
FAFEN asks ECP to audit election results

The Free and Fair Election Network (Fafen) on Sunday urged the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to scrutinise the results of the constituencies, which had been challenged by political parties and candidates at the appropriate legal forums, using data analytics as well as forensics to “establish the legitimacy” of the outcome of this year’s general polls.

The network recommended that such an audit must include representatives nominated by the political parties concerned as well as independent observers to ensure the transparency and credibility of the process.

In addition, Fafen, while proposing to use a three-stage methodology for the audit of election results, said the ECP should also clarify about the legitimacy of multiple copies of Form-45 that were generated on the polling day as most of the challenges revolved around them and their consolidation.

According to a statement issued by Fafen, the election result audit methodology comprises three stages.

The first one involves assessing the availability, authentication, completeness and correctness of the election documentation including the result forms, and the consistency of information within them.

The second stage is about ascertaining the material effect of unverified forms on the outcome of the election and taking corrective action.

The third stage involves the determination of the omission or commission and accountability of election officials.

“The post-GE-2024 situation warrants an urgent and prompt response by the Election Commission to ascertain the veracity of the claims of illegalities and irregularities by political parties and candidates,” the statement read.

Fafen added that it was a prerequisite to establish that the results of this year’s general elections truly reflected the will of the people.

The think tank said that it had been advocating since 2013 that the ECP should conduct a scrutiny of the results of all constituencies before issuing the notification of the winners in an effort to strengthen the integrity of electoral outcomes and to minimise the post-polls disputes that linger on in election tribunals beyond legally stipulated deadlines.


tribune.com.pk

FAFEN asks ECP to audit election results | The Express Tribune

Network urges commission to clarify legality of multiple copies of Form-45
tribune.com.pk tribune.com.pk
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Nothing is going to happen until the establishment becomes neutral. All this mess is created by the Election Commission so how can they scrutinize the results?
 
Where is the CJ now? Why isn't he taking notice of it?
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Rigging continuing 10 days after polls held, says Imran Khan

In a post on X, incarcerated Imran Khan has alleged that fake ballot papers were being printed in Lahore at a printing press owned by PML-N leader named Ehsan. “Even after 10 days of holding the elections, a very organised and coordinated series of rigging continues,” he said.

In a video shared with the same post, a man explains that he reached the printing press in Lahore’s Lakshmi Chowk after receiving a tip from sources.

He showed stacks of ballot papers piled on the floor and tables, which, according to him, were being printed for NA-15 Mansehra, where Nawaz Sharif lost.

He noted that only a government printing press is authorised to print ballot papers.

“We strongly reiterate our demand once again that election results as per Form 45 should be released immediately,” Imran said.

Source : Dawn News
 
China congratulates Pakistan for holding general elections smoothly

China on Monday congratulated Pakistan for holding general elections of the national and provincial assemblies steadily and smoothly and hoped that the political parties could work together to form a new government after the polls, ARY News reported.

“We noted that general elections in Pakistan were held in a generally steady and smooth manner, and we offer our congratulations,” China’s spokesperson Mao Ning said during her regular briefing.

“As a close and friendly neighbour, China fully respects the choices of Pakistani people and sincerely hopes that relevant parties of Pakistan will work together to uphold the political solidarity and social stability after the elections,” she added.


arynews.tv

China congratulates Pakistan for holding general elections smoothly

BEIJING: China on Monday congratulated Pakistan for holding general elections of the national and provincial assemblies steadily and smoothly and hoped
arynews.tv arynews.tv
 
Cricket Warrior said:
China congratulates Pakistan for holding general elections smoothly

China on Monday congratulated Pakistan for holding general elections of the national and provincial assemblies steadily and smoothly and hoped that the political parties could work together to form a new government after the polls, ARY News reported.

“We noted that general elections in Pakistan were held in a generally steady and smooth manner, and we offer our congratulations,” China’s spokesperson Mao Ning said during her regular briefing.

“As a close and friendly neighbour, China fully respects the choices of Pakistani people and sincerely hopes that relevant parties of Pakistan will work together to uphold the political solidarity and social stability after the elections,” she added.


arynews.tv

China congratulates Pakistan for holding general elections smoothly

BEIJING: China on Monday congratulated Pakistan for holding general elections of the national and provincial assemblies steadily and smoothly and hoped
arynews.tv arynews.tv
Click to expand...
China is living on another plannet these days.
 
Cricket Warrior said:
China congratulates Pakistan for holding general elections smoothly

China on Monday congratulated Pakistan for holding general elections of the national and provincial assemblies steadily and smoothly and hoped that the political parties could work together to form a new government after the polls, ARY News reported.

“We noted that general elections in Pakistan were held in a generally steady and smooth manner, and we offer our congratulations,” China’s spokesperson Mao Ning said during her regular briefing.

“As a close and friendly neighbour, China fully respects the choices of Pakistani people and sincerely hopes that relevant parties of Pakistan will work together to uphold the political solidarity and social stability after the elections,” she added.


arynews.tv

China congratulates Pakistan for holding general elections smoothly

BEIJING: China on Monday congratulated Pakistan for holding general elections of the national and provincial assemblies steadily and smoothly and hoped
arynews.tv arynews.tv
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The elections were fine, its the counting after the count that was the problem
 
Dangerous precedent if the establishment is allowed to get away with the rigging and if the pti, people of Pakistan out of fear of May 9 reprisals do nothing
 
I just wanted to say to those who believe there should be no elections in Pakistan, that they are favoring a very very dangerous political setup, the type which in a way already exists. And look where that has gotten us.

You guys severely underestimate the intelligence of our people regardless of how educated or uneducated they are.
 
Cricket Warrior said:
China congratulates Pakistan for holding general elections smoothly

China on Monday congratulated Pakistan for holding general elections of the national and provincial assemblies steadily and smoothly and hoped that the political parties could work together to form a new government after the polls, ARY News reported.

“We noted that general elections in Pakistan were held in a generally steady and smooth manner, and we offer our congratulations,” China’s spokesperson Mao Ning said during her regular briefing.

“As a close and friendly neighbour, China fully respects the choices of Pakistani people and sincerely hopes that relevant parties of Pakistan will work together to uphold the political solidarity and social stability after the elections,” she added.


arynews.tv

China congratulates Pakistan for holding general elections smoothly

BEIJING: China on Monday congratulated Pakistan for holding general elections of the national and provincial assemblies steadily and smoothly and hoped
arynews.tv arynews.tv
Click to expand...
This should come as no surprise. China has always believed that elections are way overrated and that people can't be trusted to decide leadership.

A sort of technocratic/bureaucratic dictatorship has always worked for them so they'd be happy to see their allies moving towards it.

They're probably very perplexed by the Pakistani establishment's restraint in deciding the result of the the elections and would hate for a wildcard like Imran to come back to power.
 
Court suspends ‘victories’ on all three capital seats

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday suspended the notification of three returned candidates who were elected members of the National Assembly from the three constituencies of federal capital.

A division bench comprising Justice Minagul Hassan Aurangzeb and Justice Arbab Mohammad Tahir suspended the notifications of NA-46, NA-47 and NA-48.

It may be recalled that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had declared Anjum Aqeel Khan, Tariq Fazal Chaudhry and Raja Khurram Nawaz Khan as returned candidates from these constituencies, respectively.

Amir Mughal, Mohammad Shoaib Shaheen and Mohammad Ali Bukhari had contested from these constituencies as independent candidates with the support of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI).

They had challenged the ECP’s notification, claiming that it had been issued in violation of the status quo order issued by the ECP itself.

Earlier, a single member bench had disposed of their petitions with a direction to the ECP to decide their representations. The three, however, filed intra-court appeals against the single member bench’s decision.

The IHC’s registrar objected to appeals, saying since a tribunal aimed at hearing election disputes had been constituted, therefore, the appellants could not file appeals against the ECP’s notification.

The ECP lawyer submitted that a notification in this regard is yet to be issued by the commission. Subsequently, the court overruled the registrar’s objection.

The appellants contended that the single member bench did not adjudicate upon the merits of the case. They argued that they had Form-45 issued by the presiding officers of each polling station. As per the calculation carried out on the basis of Form-45, they obtained more votes than their opponents did.

The court noted that the notification dated Feb 11 was incompatible with the even dated order passed by the ECP.

The court directed the ECP to produce on the next date of hearing full record that led to issuance of the notification declaring Anjum Aqeel Khan, Tariq Fazal Chaudhry and Raja Khurram Nawaz Khan of PML-N as returned candidates.

However, the bench did not suspend the proceedings before the ECP, observing it “shall be taken to their logical conclusion and if need be a notification of the returned candidate be issued after the issuance of Form-48 and Form-49 in accordance with the law”.

“However, until this process is completed, the operation of the notification dated 11.02.2024 which was impugned in writ petition No.499/2024 is suspended,” the bench ruled.

DRO ‘goes on leave’

Separately, Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon has obtained leave to travel abroad, it emerged on Monday.

The DC, who was also the district returning officer for the capital during the recently-conducted general elections, had applied for leave to travel abroad, officials from the capital administration said.

Mr Memon told Dawn that he was indeed on leave until March 5, but refused to provide any more details.

The request for over two weeks of leave was granted by the Islamabad chief commissioner, they added.

In his absence, Additional Deputy Commissioner Rana Waqas will look after the office of the DC Islamabad, they added.

Although it is not clear where the DC is expected to be traveling, his sub-ordinates said that he may be going to perform Umrah.

SOURCE: DAWN
 
Election tribunals likely to decide rigging disputes

Despite the suspension of notification regarding the victory of three MNAs by the Islamabad High Court, the final fate of the alleged election-rigging disputes are likely to be decided by the election tribunals, which is a time-consuming process.

However, the current week is very significant as either the superior judiciary or the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) will look into the matter or the matter will be referred to the election tribunals for trial.

The PTI candidates are trying to obtain relief either from the ECP through summary proceedings or the superior courts.

The ECP will take up the PTI candidates’ complaints today (Tuesday) against the issuance of final results without considering the Form-45 results given by the presiding officers.

The IHC division bench led by Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb will resume the hearing on election matters on Wednesday.

The PTI lawyers are hoping for some relief from this bench. However, PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, mistrust IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq.

The PTI has an advantage that some lawyers who contested the elections are aggrieved by the final results. Now, they are approaching every legal forum for relief though they have no support from both the superior bars – Pakistan Bar Council and Supreme Court Bar Association. However, it is being witnessed that the PTI has no one policy to challenge the election results.

A PTI lawyer agreed that the aggrieved candidates should have approached the Supreme Court on this controversy. However, a senior lawyer believes that final adjudication of election disputes by the superior courts will change the settled law and also create grave complications.

He believes that the apex court should give a strict timeline to the election tribunals for final decisions of election petitions. He expressed apprehension that if the superior courts intervene, then every losing candidate will want the same treatment.

The sanctity of ballot is likely to be undermined, he added. However, the PTI lawyer disagreed with the contention, saying that if the SC allows this election fraud, then there will be serious implications on democracy.

This bad precedent of election rigging through issuance of Form-47 will be remembered for decades and it will be misused in the election process every time, he added.

The PTI lawyer also states that adjudication of election tribunal is a time-consuming process.

Even if the tribunal de-seats any candidate, then he may get a stay order from the apex court.

There is a need that the SC should form an inquiry commission to probe the allegations of alleged systematic rigging in the elections, he added.

Hafiz Hussain Khokhar advocate has said that the ECP does have jurisdiction under Section 9 read with other provisions relating to all corrupt practices regarding the election matters and can pass any order. However, when the election tribunals have been notified under Section 140 of the Elections Act 2017 for the entertainment and adjudication of election petitions, then no court, including the high courts, can exercise their jurisdiction relating to the election matter of a particular constituency or many constituencies in view of bar contained in Article 225 of the Constitution where it has been described that all election disputes will be decided by tribunals and this legal proposition in such a way has been many times decided by the SC and different high courts through their various judgments.

He also said that generally, the high court declines from interfering in constitutional jurisdiction relating to post-election matters or corrupt election practices, and this has been evident from the recent orders of the high court where all these types of applications filed in writ jurisdiction after this general election were forwarded to the ECP to be decided in accordance with law.

A three-judge bench of the apex court led by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa will take up ex-military officer Ali Khan's petition on Wednesday, which seeks a declaration that the February 8 elections were rigged, urging for a fresh round.

The PTI has disadvantage that all state institutions are on the same page regarding major issues.

Although the petitioner has requested for withdrawal of the petition, the bench is determined to decide it on merit.

The SC has ordered to serve notice on the petitioner through the defence ministry or the SHO concerned.

Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah in ex-army chief Gen (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa job extension case had noted that a public interest litigation (PIL) can only be withdrawn with the permission of the court.

This is because it does not raise a personal issue limited to the petitioner; it is not a dominis litis (the person to whom a suit belongs) that would give a right to the petitioner to withdraw it as a matter of choice. “In granting the permission (to withdraw) the Court would be guided by considerations of public interest and would also ensure that it does not result in the abuse of the process of law.

“Courts must guard against possibilities of such litigants settling the matters out of Court to their advantage and then seeking withdrawal of the case.

“Sometimes withdrawal of a public interest litigation, for oblique ends, can be used to the detriment of the public interest agitated therein. The Court has to be cautious not to fall prey to such oblique motives. The proceedings in public interest litigation are inquisitorial in nature and, therefore, the request for withdrawal of such litigation must always be weighed in the light of the question of public importance raised in it.

“A petitioner initiating public interest litigation is, therefore, not entitled to withdraw the petition at his sweet will. The Court, however, may permit withdrawal of such litigation on considering the nature of the matter agitated therein and ensuring that it does not involve abuse of the process of law,", the detailed judgement authored by Justice Shah said.

Hafiz Ahsaan Ahmad also highlighted that in three provinces and in the capital, the election tribunals have been notified and the judges of respective high courts have been designated for such election petitions, thus all pending cases relating to the election disputes of general elections 2024 would ultimately be decided by them in 120 days and not by the high courts in writ jurisdiction, and these pending matters before the appointment of election tribunal would ultimately land in election tribunal.

SOURCE: https://tribune.com.pk/story/2457020/election-tribunals-likely-to-decide-rigging-disputes
 

If all these parties do unite on this issue then may be we can see some change​

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GDA to hold protest in Sindh’s Moro against alleged rigging in polls​

The Grand Democratic Alliance will stage a protest in Sindh’s Moro against alleged rigging in the Feb 8 polls. According to GDA information secretary Sardar Abdul Rahim, the protest will continue the people’s mandate is restored.

“Today’s sit-in will be of historical importance,” Rahim said. “Those plotting against the sit-in will fail.”
The sit-in will be addressed by leaders of the GDA, PTI, JUI and other parties, and future protests will also be announced today, he said. “GDA’s Jamshoro sit-in has woken up opponents from their sleep,” Rahim said.

Source: Dawn News
 
Except PMLN everybody else has questioned this election.
======
ANP hold protest in Swabi

The ANP is holding a large protest in Swabi against alleged election rigging. The party said a large number of workers and supporters are in attendance and the gathering will be addressed by Aimal Wali Khan.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1759886468095373389

Source : The Express Tribune
 
So looks like the establishment with the full blessings of the international establishment has successfully gotten away with rigging the most rigged election in Pakistan History and the people of Pakistan have accepted this with no fight back. You can forget about people having any faith in the system, ballot or people ever turning out in such large numbers again and people having any faith in the PTI politicians being able to take on the system ever again.

The Mafia prevails again
 

‘Mother of all rigging’ has made Pakistan laughing stock globally, says Imran​

RAWALPINDI:
PTI’s founder Imran Khan has said that the “mother of all rigging” must end now because Pakistan has become a laughing stock globally, as per his sister Aleema Khan.

What exactly does he mean by “mother of all rigging”? It was dismantling the PTI, snatching its iconic election symbol of bat, not allowing the party’s candidates to submit nomination papers, coercing candidates into withdrawing from elections and denying the party the right to canvass.

While speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail, where Imran is incarcerated, Aleema Khan said that her brother wants the culture of impunity to end and the mandate of the people must be respected to salvage the country’s reputation internationally.

Imran also ridiculed his arch nemesis, the PML-N, which willingly bartered away its narrative to grab power. “Instead of honouring the vote, the ‘selected ones’ have honoured the boot,” Aleema quoted Imran.

“The selection was so blatant and blind that corruption cases were dropped by the selectors against the ‘selected ones’,” she further stated quoting her brother.

“Instead the PTI chairman was sentenced to 32 years in jail after marathon trials on trumped up charges.”

Imran said that pre-poll, election day, and post-election rigging denied the people of Pakistan their democratic right to choose their representatives.

“On the voting day, the internet was shut down, leaving people perplexed. But when it did not work, post-poll rigging was carried out at night by brazenly changing the results by ignoring Form 45,” he added.

The incarcerated PTI chairman also referred to the Rawalpindi commissioner who in a recent damning video confession admitted to rigging the election for the PML-N.

“Not just one commissioner, there are many more who have ample evidence of rigging, but they have been silenced,” he said while fearing that the commissioner would be subjected to physical torture.

Source: The Express Tribune
 
No one will ever come out to vote in large numbers ever again if the PTI just sits back and lets the establishment and the PML N, PPP get away with this without a fight.

PTI has been badly scarred by the post May 9, 2023 crack down, they are scared to take the streets again and the people of Pakistan have zero confidence that the leadership will sustain and battle the state coming down hard on them. The Precedent has been set.

The Quran is indeed correct when it states that the leadership of a country is ultimately a reflection of the people living in it.
 
Savak said:
No one will ever come out to vote in large numbers ever again if the PTI just sits back and lets the establishment and the PML N, PPP get away with this without a fight.
Click to expand...

Meri jaan, come and give the establishment a fight. Go on. You have numbers and popularity, you all want the best for Pakistan. Come forward and fight the powers that are apparently oppressing you. Go on…


As if that’s not what they want you to do
 
WHat interference is left to do now?

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

US won’t interfere in Pakistan’s internal matters: Matthew Miller

The United States said on Tuesday that Washington will not interfere in the internal affairs of Pakistan.

Expressing his thoughts, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said: “We want to see a transparent investigation of rigging and fraud according to Pakistani law.”

“Hopefully, the process of forming a government in Pakistan is underway,” he added.

US expresses readiness to work with new govt in Pakistan –

Few days back, Miller expressed readiness to work with the new Pakistani government.

Expressing his thoughts, Miller said: "Millions of Pakistanis had heard their voice by using the power of vote. Pakistani youth and women were registered in large numbers in the elections," Miller said.

He said, "We commend the way the journalists, polling workers, and observers showed responsibility during the elections."

Miller said, "We are waiting to extend the partnership with Pakistan through trade and investment."

"We will continue aid to strengthen Pakistan's democratic institutions," he maintained.

SAMAA
 
The impact will be that Candidate will bribe ROs to declare them winners or beg GHQ, no need to spend money for campaigning to ask people for vote. I will never vote again. I spend 20K on petrol to go my village to vote. What is the value of it? Everything is discarded through stroke of a pen.

Change the constitution if you don't like it, put army in charge, stop this drama of democracy. Have a system like Iran where Army chief of Pakistan is the supreme leader under that there is an election.
 
The caretaker federal government has formed a joint investigation team (JIT) to conduct an investigation into the ongoing malicious campaign on social media against the government officials, including Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), ARY News reported on Wednesday.

The JIT is headed by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Cyber Crime Wing additional director general and includes Grade-19 officers of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and Inter-Services Intelligence, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and NADRA.

The JIT will be tasked with probing various facets of the nefarious activities, including the dissemination of false information on social media platforms, the printing of fake ballot papers, and propaganda aimed at influencing public sentiment.

The committee will collaborate with IT experts to gather evidence and ascertain the extent of the wrongdoing. It will meticulously register cases and recommend appropriate actions against the responsible individuals.

Earlier, Caretaker Prime Minister (PM) Anwaarul Haq Kakar said that the state of Pakistan shall defend the civil servants in discharging their constitutional duties, act against the “violent trolls” and ensure “exemplary punishment” to them.

The statement came days after the former Rawalpindi commissioner Liaquat Ali Chata confessed to his “involvement in rigging election results in the city”, and resigned from his post.

Taking responsibility for what he termed a “heinous crime,” Chatha implicated not only himself but also accused the Election Commission of Pakistan and Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa of involvement in the ‘rigging’ — a claim denied by the ECP and the CJP.

The presser came almost a week after the Feb 8 general elections as the ECP has already been in the crosshairs of several rigging allegations amidst PTI and other political parties’ nationwide protests, claiming they were deprived of their mandate.

The ECP flatly rejected the rigging allegations put forth by Liaquat Ali Chatta against the Election Commission and the Chief Election Commissioner.

The spokesperson said in a statement that neither the ECP nor any of its officials instructed the Rawalpindi commissioner to change election results under his jurisdiction.

Source: ARY

arynews.tv

JIT constituted to probe ‘malicious campaign’ against ECP, govt officials

ISLAMABAD: The caretaker federal government has formed a joint investigation team (JIT) to conduct an investigation into the ongoing malicious campaign on
arynews.tv arynews.tv
 
The caretaker government acts like the people of Pakistan have chosen them.
 
So what's happening in Pakistan now? Any idea who will form the government, and who the new PM will be?
Can anyone living in Pakistan shed some light?
 
gani999 said:
So what's happening in Pakistan now? Any idea who will form the government, and who the new PM will be?
Can anyone living in Pakistan shed some light?
Click to expand...
Pakistan People’s Party and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz to form a coalition with Shehbaz Sharif selected as candidate for PM.

PTI-aligned candidates were forced to run as independents in the face of state restrictions against the party.

The PMLN is the largest party with 79 seats, and the PPP is second with 54. They along with four other smaller parties have a comfortable majority in the legislature of 264 seats.
 
Verdict on Salman Akram’s plea reserved

The Lahore High Court on Wednesday reserved its verdict on a petition by PTI-backed independent candidate Advocate Salman Akram Raja seeking contempt proceedings against the NA-128 returning officer (RO).

Earlier, a counsel for the petitioner stated that the court had previously ordered the RO to make a decision according to the law based on Raja’s request.

However, he said the RO ignored the court order and did not even summon Raja to present his stance.

He said the defiance of the court orders falls under contempt of court and is a punishable offence.

The counsel asked the court to initiate contempt proceedings against the RO for not complying with the court’s order.

Justice Najafi had directed the RO to consolidate the Feb 8 election results in the NA-128 in the presence of all candidates, including the petitioner.

Mr Raja had challenged the victory of Awn Chaudhry of the Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party (IPP).

SOURCE: DAWN
 
All rigged seats need to be checked by the Supreme Court in an open trial so everyone can know who facilitated these looters to convert these victories in PMLN's favor.
 
JUI-F to hold nationwide protests against ‘rigging’

The Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl held a workers’ convention in the federal capital on Thursday, terming it the beginning of a countrywide protest movement against alleged rigging in the elections.

Addressing the ‘Islamabad general council’ of the JUI-F, party chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said the nation witnessed the worst rigging in the country’s history on Feb 8. He alleged that the 2024 polls were manipulated at such large scale that it even put the rigging of 2018 elections to shame. He said a joke has been made of the public mandate, leaving the assemblies to stand on bogus results.

The JUI-F announced that in the first phase of its planned protest drive, meetings of the party’s general assemblies have been called which will be followed by the feedback meetings with its provincial chapters to devise the future course of action.

“After the 2018 elections, it was thought that the 2024 elections would be fair,” Maulana Fazl said, adding, “Once again our wish and our longing for the supremacy of Constitution and promotion of democracy in the country has been crushed.”

“Parliament is called the supreme body, but if the establishment continues to interfere [in politics] and chooses representatives of its choice, then how can those members be called the people’s representatives?” he alleged. “I am saying that in this election, the establishment has broken the record of 75 years of corruption — the fact is that uniforms do not earn respect, character does.”

The JUI-F emir predicted that these handpicked representatives would always be the victim of criticism, irrespective of their party affiliations.

He said that a decision had been made by the party’s central executive council and this has also been conveyed to people.

“We are the flag-bearers of democracy, our elders have signed this Constitution and we consider it our responsibility to protect it — but now the Constitution seems to have lost its value as its sanctity has been reduced to a mere piece of paper.”

SOURCE: DAWN
 
In the aftermath of the February 8 elections, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has strongly refuted accusations of rigging, asserting that political parties are using such claims for blackmail, a tactic that the PPP will not succumb to.

Addressing the media after extending condolences to the family of a 12-year-old party worker killed during electioneering in New Karachi on Saturday, Bilawal questioned the legitimacy of rigging allegations. He challenged political parties to specify the seats allegedly rigged, asking, "Was my Larkana seat rigged?"

Bilawal highlighted PPP's claim to victory in two provincial seats, PS-124 and PS-125 in Karachi, based on Form-45. However, he alleged that these seats were unfairly given to other candidates through rigging. "We will fight a legal battle with evidence. If justice is not served, we will announce the next course of action," he declared.

Commenting on the unfolding political scenario, Bilawal speculated that Imran Khan, founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), may have decided not to field a candidate against PML-N's prime minister candidate Shehbaz Sharif. He emphasised that Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), allied with independent candidates associated with PTI, should be truthful to its workers, asserting that they lack the majority in the National Assembly.

Regarding economic matters, Bilawal criticised Imran Khan's approach to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), stating that writing a letter will not alleviate the crisis in Pakistan but exacerbate unemployment and inflation. Bilawal accused Khan of prioritising politics over national interests.

Expressing concern over violent incidents during the election, Bilawal announced plans to form a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) after the formation of the government in Sindh. He said the JIT will be aimed to investigate and bring justice to all parties involved in violent incidents during the election campaign, ensuring severe punishment in accordance with the law.

Bilawal vowed to prevent such incidents from recurring in the future.

tribune.com.pk

Parties using rigging claims for blackmailing, says Bilawal | The Express Tribune

PPP chairman slams Imran for approaching IMF, accuses him of prioritising politics over national interests
tribune.com.pk tribune.com.pk
 
In an underdeveloped country with a literacy rate of less than 50%, how can one expect transparent elections?
 
The sit-ins by an alliance of four nationalist parties across Balochistan continued on Friday against the alleged rigging in the February 8 general elections.

The protest has been continuing for over two weeks in different parts of Balochistan including the provincial capital, Quetta.

Supporters of the four-party alliance continued the sit-in outside the office of the Quetta district returning officer.

Reports from Loralai, Khuzdar, Turbat, Panjgur, Gwadar, Hub, Noshki, Kharan, Kalat, Pishin, Chaman and Qila Abdullah suggested sit-ins have been continuing in these areas.

In some areas, traffic was affected on inter-provincial roads, but the national highways which connect Balochistan with other parts of the country have been opened.

A public meeting was also held by the alliance leaders in Pishin on Thursday.

The meeting was addressed by Mehmood Khan Achakzai, the PkMAP chairman, Sajid Tareen, senior vice president of BNP-Mengal, Dr Ishaq Baloch, vice president of National Party, and others.

Mr Achakzai said he had suggested a multi-party conference to find out solution to problems being faced by the country.

However, “no heed was paid to our suggestion”.

"The country, an atomic power, is seeking loans from various counties and international financial institutions and it is ready to accept their tough conditions,” Mr Achakzai said, adding that in this situation no judge or general could save the country from further disaster.

He said it is time to convene a round table conference of all political parties, generals, judges, journalists and all stakeholders to steer the country out of this imbroglio.

Other party leaders said that people of the province will not accept the results of the rigged election and they would continue their protest across the province until the actual results were announced.

Behram Baloch in Gwadar, Ali Jan Mangi in Nasirabad and Abdul Wahid Shahwani in Khuzdar also contributed to this report.

Dawn

www.dawn.com

Sit-ins continue against ‘poll rigging’ in Balochistan

Jan Achakzai says he has suggested a multi-party conference to find out solution to problems being faced by the country.
www.dawn.com
 
Opposition parties call for observing ‘black day’ on 27th in Karachi

Five opposition parties announced on Saturday that they would observe a ‘Black Day’ on Tuesday against ‘heavy-handedness’ applied by a ‘fascist’ provincial government against ‘peaceful protesters’.

Addressing charged protesters gathered outside the Karachi Press Club, the leaders of the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA), Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), Jamaat-i-Islami (JI), Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) and Mohajir Qaumi Movement-Haqiqi (MQM-H) said even women protesters were subjected to cruel and harsh treatment and taken into custody to foil a ‘peaceful’ demonstration.

Jamaat-i-Islami city chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman along with four other parties’ leaders said that their supposed rival party, Muttahida Quami Movement-Pakistan, had got only 100,000 votes in the city while the mandate of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf had been ‘snatched’ in the general elections.

He alleged that the mandate of the PTI and JI was stolen by the PPP and MQM in the largest city of the country.

Speaking to protesters, PTI-Sindh president Haleem Adil Sheikh said their 30 seats had been ‘snatched’ in the city.

He said those who introduced the culture of ‘gunny bags of bodies’ and targeted killings in the city were being ‘imposed’ on the masses again.

He claimed that pre-poll rigging was conducted through delimitation and not allowing judges to become ROs, DROs and not deploying army to provide security during elections.

Rigging was conducted on polling day and their political agents were ‘taken away’ and the communication system in the country was suspended, he added.

He said on Saturday they were prevented from holding a peaceful protest after ‘closing’ all roads and disrupting the ‘nerve centre’ of the city and blocking Sharea Faisal.

SUP chief Zain Shah alleged that the PPP and other parties were ‘facilitated’ by the Election Commission of Pakistan, judiciary and establishment in the elections. In his address, GDA secretary general Dr Safdar Abbasi said women workers of Sindhiani Tehreek (women wing) of Qaumi Awami Tehreek (QAT) were arrested and manhandled, which was a condemnable act.

Detained workers released

Mazhar Rahujo of the QAT said he along with several other workers were released from ‘illegal custody’ of the police when a local magistrate on the appeal of Karachi Bas Association secretary Ikhtiar Ali Channa and others raided a police station.

He said as part of the GDA protest, when they reached near the KPC at around 11am, the police resorted to tear gas shelling and baton charge.

He said some women protesters who attempted to move towards the assembly were manhandled by lady police officers. He said a total of 75 workers, including women, were detained.

He said several workers, including himself, were ‘illegally detained’ at the Artillery Maidan police where the magistrate conducted a raid and got them released from ‘habeas corpus’.

SOURCE: DAWN
 
FearlessRoar said:
In an underdeveloped country with a literacy rate of less than 50%, how can one expect transparent elections?
Click to expand...

If you don’t fight for free and fair elections and just give up your country will remain underdeveloped and majority will stay illiterate.
 
PTI accuses MQM-P, PPP of ‘stealing mandate’ in Karachi

The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) on Monday blamed the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan and Pakistan Peoples Party for “stealing its mandate” in Karachi and Hyderabad and announced that it would launch a movement to mobilise its supporters in order to get back their “stolen mandate”.

Speaking at a press conference here at the Karachi Press Club, PTI leader Haleem Adil Sheikh claimed that independent candidates belonging to his party had won 20 of Karachi’s 22 National Assembly seats and two Hyderabad seats.

The MQM-P had won 15 NA seats in Karachi and two in Hyderabad, while the PPP succeeded on seven NA seats in the metropolis.

Accompanied by PTI-Karachi president Khurram Sher Zaman and others, he said that the upcoming government at the Centre would hardly survive five months.

Commenting on the results of the Feb 8 general elections, he said that the people voted for the PTI and Form-45s were the undeniable proof of its victory.

He said that the party’s iconic election symbol ‘bat’ was snatched and the Election Commission gave strange symbols to our candidates. Even internet service was shut down on the day of polling, but the people still voted for us in a huge numbers.

“The nation gave its verdict in the favour of PTI,” he said, adding: “But the returning officers illegally changed the results in Forms-47.”

The PTI leader said that the party had won 183 NA seats from the country, including 20 in Karachi and two in Hyderabad. “Our worker Arslan Khalid defeated MQM-P chief Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui,” he claimed.

“Our mandate was stolen in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and other cities as well. We will move courts and take back our snatched mandate,” he said.

He said that the PTI would launch a mass mobilisation campaign in the metropolis to thank its voters.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Sher Zaman said the people should boycott “thieves”.

He said that PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari had only showed Form-45s of his Larkana seat.

“Our intra-party elections are going to be held on March 3 and after that we will go to courts with evidence as we have confidence in our judiciary,” he added.

SOURCE: DAWN
 
Three opposition parties demand fresh elections

Rejecting the results of Feb 8 polls, the Grand Democratic Alliance, Jamaat-i-Islami and Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazal on Tuesday demanded fresh elections and warned that they would not turn silent and the protest against the alleged rigging would continue with more force and intensity.

The three parties, which have recently joined hands after suffering defeat in the Feb 8 elections to protest against the ‘manipulated and rigged’ elections, went a step further and set up a joint committee to plan a ‘protest campaign’.

A large number of workers of the parties gathered outside the Karachi Press Club and staged a protest demonstration in line a province-wide call for observing the ‘black day’.

The opposition parties had given the call to observe the black day in protest against the police action to scuttle their demonstration planned in front of the Sindh Assembly on Feb 25 in protest over alleged rigging in the Feb 8 elections. Carrying placards and banners, they chanted slogans against ‘theft’ of mandate. Some protesters were also carrying black flags.

Addressing the protest, GDA’s Dr Safdar Abbasi said that the people of Sindh would not accept the dual faced democracy with bogus results.

He said that the people had already rejected the politics of hatred and terror whereas those who had imposed criminal elements on Karachiites had done a disservice to Pakistan and the people of this country.

“The Feb 8 elections were not the elections, they were actually an organised and planned robbery which can never be accepted and forgiven,” he said.

“Instead of bringing stability and calm, these polls have further deepened instability. If they are accepted and not fixed, they would cause irreparable damage to the country. For the stability of the country, these elections should be declared null and void.”

In his address, Dr Osama Razi of the JI said that the people would extend the scope of protest if the authorities did not rectify results of the elections as per results according to Form-45s.

He said that the entire country was paying the price for what happened on February 8 in the name of elections. The protest, he said, will continue till its logical conclusion. He asked the Supreme Court of Pakistan to take notice of the alleged rigging.

“Those who are celebrating their fake victories are unable to face the public,” he said.

“Even the formation of the governments in the Centre and provinces has become a challenge for these mandate thieves. Every party which has won doesn’t want to share the burden of the government because it knows that any coalition which is based on fake mandate is not going to survive.”

SOURCE: DAWN
 
Democracy cannot function without respect for public’s mandate: PTI’s Ali Muhammad Khan

PTI leader Ali Muhammad Khan has said that democracy cannot function in a country where the people’s mandate is not respected.

While speaking to the media in Islamabad, he said that respecting the mandate is as important to a democracy as a soul is to a human being.

He vowed that the PTI will continue its struggle to uphold the public’s mandate irrespective of all the challenges.

Dawn
 
‘Vote-thief!’: Imran Khan allies protest 'rigged election' as Pakistan swears in new parliament

Pakistan's National Assembly swore in newly elected members on Thursday in a chaotic scene, as allies of jailed former Premier Imran Khan protested what they claim was a rigged election.

Lawmakers from Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party repeatedly chanted "Vote-thief!” as Shehbaz Sharif, who's expected to form the government, entered the lower house of parliament with his brother Nawaz Sharif. Both men are former premiers.

Outgoing National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf administered the oath to incoming legislators at noon.

The house echoed with chants of “Long Live Sharif!” when the brothers signed the register after taking their oaths of office. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the young chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party and a key Sharif ally, was met with similar chants.

The new government will face challenges including a surge in militant attacks and shortages of energy; as well as an ailing economy that will force Pakistan to seek another bailout from the International Monetary Fund.

Lawmakers from Khan's PTI told reporters that they will continue their campaign against the rigging in the elections in and outside the parliament.

“Yes, the election has been rigged,” said Gohar Ali Khan, the current head of PTI.

PTI has called for nationwide rallies on Saturday. The party claims its results were changed in dozens of constituencies to prevent it from winning a majority, a charge the Election Commission of Pakistan denies.

After the Feb. 8 elections, observers from the Commonwealth praised election officials for holding the vote despite multiple militant attacks, but the U.S. State Department said that the vote was held under restrictions of freedoms of expression, association and peaceful assembly. The European Union also criticized the inability of some political actors to contest the elections. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry has fired back at such criticism, saying the vote was held in a free, fair and transparent manner.

None of the foreign observers described widespread vote-stealing.

Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League party, or PML-N, and Pakistan People’s Party of former President Asif Ali Zardari, emerged from the vote as the largest presence in the 336-seat National Assembly, or lower house of the parliament.

Under a power-sharing formula, Sharif's party will support Zardari in next month's presidential elections. Outgoing President Arif Alvi is an ally of Khan and was a senior member of PTI before becoming president.

Khan is currently serving prison terms in multiple cases and has been barred from seeking or holding office. He has been convicted on charges of corruption, revealing official secrets and violating marriage laws in three separate verdicts and sentenced to concurrent prison terms of 10, 14 and 7 years. Khan is appealing all the convictions. He still faces some 170 legal cases on charges ranging from corruption to inciting violence and terrorism.

On Wednesday, the PTI wrote a letter to the International Monetary Fund, urging it to link any talks with Islamabad to an audit of the country’s recent election, which his party alleges was rigged. The latest development came days before the IMF releases a key installment of a bailout loan to Pakistan.

Khan's move had drawn widespread criticism from his rivals, including Sharif, who said Khan wanted to harm the country's economy. Sharif who replaced Khan after his ouster through a no-confidence vote in April 2022 had struggled hard to avoid a default on foreign payments last summer when the IMF approved the much-awaited $3 billion.

Sharif has said he wants a new bailout from the IMF after March when last year's IMF bailout expires.

France24

www.france24.com

‘Vote-thief!’: Imran Khan allies protest 'rigged election' as Pakistan swears in new parliament

Pakistan's National Assembly swore in newly elected members on Thursday in a chaotic scene, as allies of jailed former Premier Imran Khan protested what they claim was a rigged election.
www.france24.com www.france24.com
 
After Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), the Awami National Party (ANP) also announced to boycott election process for constitutional positions in Senate and provincial assemblies, ARY News reported.

As per details, ANP chief Asfandyar Wali Khan in a statement said that his party would neither vote for any other party nor field its candidates in elections for the posts of Senate Chairman and Deputy Chairman.

“The ANP would also boycott the elections of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan chief ministers,” he added.

Asfandyar Wali Khan said that ANP wants civilian supremacy and strengthened democracy and the parliament. He said that the major parties have also offered the ANP of main positions in return for votes in the Senate and provincial assemblies.

Asfandyar Wali Khan said that the ANP does not ‘believe’ in politics of power.

“It is our principled position that the mandate should be given real representatives from mandate thieves,” the ANP chief added.

Asfandyar Wali Khan, however, said that the party would decide on further course of action and its role in the parliament through mutual consultation.

Earlier in the day, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman that his party would not participate in the election process for the National Assembly speaker, deputy speaker, prime minister, and president.

Speaking to the media after the inaugural session of the NA, Maulana Fazl categorically stated that the JUI-F will sit on the opposition benches in this parliament.

“We will not be part of the election of speaker and deputy speaker of the National Assembly and prime minister,” he stressed.

On Wednesday, a high-level delegation of PML-N, PPP, and other allies met Maulana Fazalur Rehman ahead of the inaugural session of the National Assembly.

ARY

arynews.tv

ANP announces boycott of election process after JUI-F

PESHAWAR: After Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), the Awami National Party (ANP) also announced to boycott election process for constitutional positions
arynews.tv arynews.tv
 
Looks like all of major KP parties lining up with IK ,Jui F, JUI S, QWP, ANP, JI all gradually moving towards PTI agenda. Excellent work No wonder the fresh leadership nurtured by IK in KP is reaping rewards, Asad Qaiser, Ali Muhammad Khan etc are the sane wise and intelligent politicians in KPK looking to tie up all political stakeholders in the province
 
Pakistan’s surprising and marred 2024 election, and what comes next

Pakistan’s 2024 election, held on February 8 after two years of political turmoil and a months-long delay, was both marred and hopeful. Here’s what to know about the run-up to the election, election day, and where the country stands now.

Before election day: Pre-poll manipulation

This election had been expected to yield a clear winner: former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who had returned from four years of exile in London last October. Before the election, Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League party (PML-N) was favored by the military, and the scales had been tipped heavily in its favor. Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, whom the military had backed until he was ousted from office in April 2022, has been in prison since August 2023 and was disqualified from running for office this election cycle. Khan was sentenced the week before the election to decades in prison in three separate cases, on charges ranging from leaking state secrets to unlawful marriage.

More damaging, Pakistan’s Supreme Court stripped Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), of its election symbol in January. Neither the party name nor its iconic election symbol, the cricket bat (signifying Khan’s past as the star captain of Pakistan’s cricket team), were on the ballots, and all the party’s candidates had to run as independents. Election symbols are of paramount importance in Pakistan, where about 40 percent of the population is illiterate. The decision had other implications as well: A party without a symbol cannot claim seats reserved for women and minorities, and its candidates could be poached after the election. The ruling came on top of an intense state crackdown on the PTI in the past year, with thousands of party members jailed and almost all its senior leadership pressured to quit politics. The party also saw a media blackout and restrictions on campaigning in the run-up to the election.

Thus, the day before the election, the victory of the military’s favored candidate and party was deemed a foregone conclusion.

An election day surprise

Election day began with internet and cellular services cut off under the pretext of security, after two terrorist attacks the previous day killed at least 28 people in Balochistan. This was also expected to disrupt turnout, but more than 61 million voters showed up at the polls; voter turnout was 48 percent (relative to 52 percent in the 2018 election).

The election result, which took a few days to come in, was a stunning upset: candidates backed by Khan’s PTI won a plurality of parliamentary seats (93 out of 266), though not an outright majority. The party alleges it would have won more seats were it not for interference by the authorities. Party officials cited major discrepancies in polling station versus constituency-level results (the former did not add up to the latter); unexplained delays in vote counting and results being tabulated (results stopped coming in abruptly on election night); and the fact that some candidates “lost” major vote leads reported on election night by the next morning. The Free and Fair Election Network, an election observer, noted that its election agents were not allowed to observe the result tabulations in about half of the electoral constituencies; in dozens of other constituencies, the candidates and their election agents were also prevented from observing the vote tallies (as is their right per Pakistan’s election rules).

Nevertheless, the result as it stands is striking, particularly following an election season marked by a state crackdown on the PTI. Moreover, it signifies that the military’s tried-and-tested playbook to influence the country’s politics has failed. Pakistan’s two dynastic parties, Sharif’s PML-N and the Bhutto family’s Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), came in second and third place, with 75 and 54 legislative seats respectively. The PML-N has traditionally been pro-industry and center-right, while the PPP has veered center-left, but little has differentiated their various stints in power.

This was a vote both against the status quo—against the Pakistani military’s political meddling and the dominance of its old guard, the dynastic parties—and one for Khan. Khan has upended Pakistanis’ relationship with their military over the past two years after he pointedly blamed the once-hallowed institution for his dismissal. His base—the country’s youth and middle class—has grown to deeply resent the military’s heavy-handed role in the country’s politics. Pakistan’s youth is a large and growing demographic and an important voting bloc: 44 percent of the electorate this year was under the age of 35.

To overcome the barriers the PTI faced in campaigning, the party ran a methodical and modern campaign, using artificial intelligence and social media effectively (as well as secret canvassing). By contrast, the PML-N ran a campaign that seemed set in the 1990s in its erstwhile base, Punjab province. On election day, voters showed up at the polls informed on who the PTI-backed independent candidates were—even as each one was assigned a different electoral symbol, ranging from carrots to charpoys. They broke the pattern of voting for “electables”—prominent Pakistani politicians well-versed in patronage politics—instead voting along party lines, regardless of the candidate’s prior political experience.

It seemed everyone who had deemed the election’s result a foregone conclusion had underestimated Pakistani voters and the convictions of Khan’s base.

The aftermath

Despite the election day surprise, Pakistan will get a government that looks very much like the one that came in after Khan’s ouster: the second- and third-largest parties in parliament, the PML-N and PPP, have joined hands once again to form a coalition government. Members of parliament took their oaths of office on February 29; the election of the prime minister is scheduled to be held on March 3. Surprisingly, Nawaz Sharif is out of the fold: His brother Shehbaz, who was prime minister from April 2022 to August 2023 and is more palatable to Pakistan’s military because of his consistent pro-establishment stance, is the coalition’s nominee for prime minister. Nawaz, who has had multiple fallings-out with the military in the past, each leading to his removal as prime minister, seems to have been brought in before the election to appeal to the PML-N’s voter base; he also ensured that his daughter and presumptive heir, Maryam, took the helm in Punjab as chief minister of the province. Former President Asif Ali Zardari, of the PPP, is the coalition government’s nominee for president. PTI-backed independents have joined with a smaller party in an effort to claim reserved seats; the party did not enter negotiations with the PML-N and PPP. This was no surprise—Khan’s populist politics relies on opposition to these two parties. Without uniting with the PML-N or PPP, the PTI did not have a realistic path to government in a parliamentary system.

Meanwhile, the PTI is protesting the election result—on the streets and in the courts. Multiple parties have raised allegations that the elections were rigged—and the media, civil society organizations, and the U.S. and other Western governments have joined the growing call for investigations of alleged election fraud. However, these claims are likely to get short shrift in Pakistan, where the legal system has worked largely in concert with the establishment this election cycle (as in the past). The election commission, whose faulty performance has been called out across the board, has gone silent.

The incoming coalition government will function as a junior partner to the military—Shehbaz’s government handed over unprecedented power to the army in 2023, and it is likely to continue to do so in this term as well. (It is little surprise that Pakistan was downgraded to an authoritarian regime for 2023 by the Economist Intelligence Unit.) The government faces hard tasks ahead, especially in terms of the economy. It will need to enter a new agreement with the International Monetary Fund as soon as the current one ends in March and will also need to consider debt restructuring soon after, as massive loans totaling about $24 billion come due in the next few months. There is reason to be wary: Neither of the coalition parties has a sound record of economic prudence or growth. The army is now also directly involved in the economy, via the army chief’s membership on a special investment facilitation council.

In the end, if the military gets the weak coalition government it wanted—the better to control it—through an election that was neither free nor fair, does the surprise result on election day really matter? It does. Pakistan’s citizens are restive and dissatisfied, their already frayed compact with the establishment broken. The military, which projects itself as the guarantor of stability in Pakistan, has since 2022 generated the worst political crisis the country has seen in decades. Far from returning Pakistan to some modicum of stability, the elections’ conduct has accentuated political tensions in the country. As a result, the incoming coalition government is likely to be unstable. The military failed at decimating the PTI after the most heavy-handed crackdown a party has seen in recent decades, and Pakistanis saw that. They have realized the power of their votes. And they will use it again.

SOURCE: https://www.brookings.edu/articles/...and-marred-2024-election-and-what-comes-next/
 
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SIC announces forming ‘grand alliance’

The Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), after meeting the JUI-F, has announced the formation of a grand alliance aimed at ensuring election results according to Form 45.

According to details, SIC leaders Asad Qaiser, Omar Ayub Khan, Malik Amir Dogar and Junaid Akbar Khan arrived at JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s residence in the federal capital.

Fazl was asked to vote for Omar, Amir and Junaid for the positions of prime minister, speaker and deputy speaker, respectively.

The JUI-F chief praised the decision of the opposition parties to act in unison.

Speaking to media after the meeting, Qaiser maintained that the Feb 8 polls had been rigged, and that they had been working on the formation of a grand alliance for acquiring results according to Form 45.

Qaiser said communication was being intensified to bring all the parties affected by Form 45 onto a single platform.

SOURCE: EXPRESS NEWS​
 

They are simply suggesting if we have done wrong to us then what is wrong with you​

====

No outside dictation on election probe: FO​

The Foreign Office (FO) on Friday said that no country could give directions to Pakistan to investigate allegations of rigging in the February 8 elections, insisting the country believes in its "sovereign right" to make decisions about its internal matters.

“Pakistan is a vibrant democracy and there are mechanisms in place inside Pakistan where Pakistani people can resolve any issue pertaining to questions relating to elections or any issue relating to the democratic process in Pakistan,” remarked FO Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch at the weekly briefing in Islamabad.

Source: The Express Tribune
 
Fazl lands in Karachi for ‘important’ JUI-F meeting on election rigging

JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has arrived in Karachi to attend JUI-F Sindh’s meeting in Korangi tomorrow.

According to Deputy Secretary Information JUI Sindh Maulana Samiul Haq Swati, the general secretary of the Sindh chapter of the party, Rashid Mehmood Soomro, and other leaders welcomed the chief who has arrived in the metropolitan on a three-day visit.

Swati said that the “important” meeting tomorrow will include the members of all the districts of JUI Sindh where Fazl will give an important address regarding election rigging.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman will give instructions to the officials of JUI Sindh, Swati said, adding that Fazl will also address a press conference.

Dawn
 

Hoping against Hope​

====

PTI urges ECP, judiciary to dispense justice: Shandana Gulzar​

PTI leader Shandana Gulzar has said that her party demands the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and the judiciary to dispense justice to them.

Speaking on a Geo News programme today, she said: “How can we expect anything from those who came to the assemblies by stealing our mandate?”

Source: Dawn News
 

Lie of the year for you​

====

Votes in favour of MQM-P were not counted in 2018, claims Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui​

MQM-P leader Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui has claimed that the results of the 2024 general elections in Karachi were based on actual votes polled as opposed to the winner being already decided before the polls, which he said was the case in 2018 when his party had lost a bulk of the seats to rivals PTI.

While speaking to Geo News, Siddiqui, in response to a question regarding his party’s success being starkly different in both the elections, said that the votes his party received in the 2018 elections were not counted — something he said was not the case in 2024.

He claimed that in 2018 a member of his party had won the seat in the recounting, but the decision to “bring someone else into the government was already taken”.

“People who had won were surprised how they had won,” he said.

Source: Dawn News
 
Need something more potent.
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PTI calls for countrywide ‘peaceful but strong’ protests on Sunday against alleged poll rigging

The PTI has called for countrywide protests on March 10 (Sunday) against alleged rigging in the February 8 general elections.

In a post on X, PTI leader Hammad Azhar said, “There will be a peaceful but strong protest on Sunday. Everyone should be ready.”

The party’s official account reiterated the same announcement.

Source : Dawn News
 
High court seeks ECP’s response in election ‘manipulation’ case

The Peshawar High Court on Tuesday put the Election Commission of Pakistan on notice and sought its response to the pleas of seven independent election candidates from the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, including four former lawmakers, against the non-provision of documents about poll results by the commission and the relevant returning officers.

A bench consisting of Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim and Justice Shakeel Ahmad held a preliminary hearing into seven petitions of the candidates seeking the court’s orders for the ECP, Peshawar’s district returning officer, and returning officers to immediately provide them with attested copies of forms 45, 46, 47, 48, and 49 of their respective provincial assembly constituencies.

It fixed the next hearing for March 7.

The petitioners requested the court to declare illegal the respondents’ act of denying them attested copies of those forms carrying election results.

They also sought the court’s orders for the provision of CCTV footage of the process to consolidate election results by the returning officers of their respective constituencies.

The petitioners include former provincial ministers Taimur Saleem Khan Jhagra (PK-79) and Kamran Khan Bangash (PK-82), former deputy speaker of the KP Assembly Mahmood Jan (PK-72), former MNA Hameedul Haq, former district nazim Mohammad Asim (PK-78), and lawyers Ali Zaman (PK-73) and Malik Shahab (PK-75).

They claimed that as per Form 45 received by their polling agents from presiding officers of polling stations, they won the election by a large margin, but the returning officers manipulated the results and issued Form 47 (provisional poll results) that declared their rivals as winners.

Lawyers Shumail Ahmad Butt, Ali Gohar Durrani, and Ali Azim Afridi appeared for the petitioners and contended that the provisions of the Elections Act, 2017, were violated by the respondents as neither those forms were uploaded on the ECP’s website within 14 days of the polling as required by Section 95(10) of the law nor were they allowed the “public inspection” of election documents under Section 100 of the Act.

They said after the closure of the polling process on Feb 8, the votes were counted and a signed Form 45 was issued to the petitioners’ polling agents, clearly indicating that the petitioners had won the elections.

The counsel said following Form 45, their clients came for the result compilation for the provisional consolidation before the returning officer, however, entry was not allowed to them or their polling agents from 9pm on Feb 8 to 6am the next morning.

They said when entry was allowed to them, they were merely told that they had ended up not as returned candidates, as was the requirement of Form 45 results, but instead their votes were reduced and other candidates were declared as returned on the basis of some manipulated Form 45, which, despite the clear mandate of the Elections Act, 2027, had not been shared with the petitioners.

The lawyers said when the petitioners approached the ECP against that illegality, their petitions were rejected in short order, while no detailed reasoning was yet available. They stated that the ECP had directed the petitioners to approach the election tribunals.

They contended that they had written applications to the ROs, DRO, and also the district election commissioner, seeking attested copies of forms 45, 46, 47, 48, and 49. However, they added, the respondents had been shifting the burden on each other for the purpose.

The counsel wondered how the petitioners could approach election tribunals without having attested copies of the relevant election documents, especially Form 45.

SOURCE: DAWN
 
PTI alleges Forms-45 published on ECP website ‘tampered’

PTI leader Taimur Khan Jhagra has alleged that Forms-45 published by the Election Commission of Pakistan on the latter’s website were “tampered”.

At a press conference in Islamabad, Jhagra said his party had obtained 90 per cent of Forms-45 on the polling day and they differed from those uploaded by the ECP yesterday.

“This clearly shows that rigging took place,” he claimed.

Dawn
 
A slightly tempered cheque gets bounced and then there is ECP trying this foolish stuff out at the national level.
========
Taimur Jhagra, a prominent figure in Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has made accusations against the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), alleging tampering with Forms-45s in numerous constituencies.

Addressing the media outside Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, Jhagra, accompanied by PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and party leader Barrister Salman Akram Raja, claimed that the ECP initially released Forms-45 for several constituencies but later withdrew them from their website.

According to Jhagra, all Forms-45s were forcibly altered, purportedly due to the overwhelming number of votes in favour of PTI. He argued that this manipulation rendered it virtually impossible for opponents to secure victory without resorting to tampering. Furthermore, Jhagra asserted that the ECP subsequently uploaded these tampered Forms-45s on their website, suggesting potential electoral malpractice.

Highlighting irregularities across Balochistan, Sindh, and other provinces, Jhagra pointed out instances where numbers were allegedly changed through dubious means.

He raised concerns about the legitimacy of certain polling stations, where the number of votes reportedly exceeded the actual number of voters present. Additionally, he criticised the inadequate documentation of some Forms-45s.

Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, echoing Jhagra's sentiments, declared their intention to approach the high courts in Sindh and Peshawar regarding reserved seats. He expressed confidence in the judiciary's ability to adjudicate impartially in accordance with the Constitution and the law.

Reaffirming PTI's position, Barrister Gohar maintained that they had secured victory in 180 seats in the National Assembly and had provided all necessary evidence to support their claim.

Source: The Express Tribune
 
Don't see the point of elections anymore, just get direct notifications from GHQ. Wastage of time and resources

Will never vote again till the system is sorted(which I doubt will ever happen)
 
Pildat calls for thorough probe into result compilation issues

Noting that the fairness of the 2024 general elections had declined from the previous two electoral exercises, the Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (Pildat) has called on the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the delays in the compilation and transmission of results that marred the credibility of the process.

In the report Assessment of the Quality of General Election 2024, released on Wednesday, the think tank said that there were two ways to address the controversies relating to the polls: allow election tribunals to resolve disputes on a case-by-case basis, or constitute a commission of enquiry, such as the one formed to probe the general elections of 2013.

The report is based on the institute’s independent analysis as well as a questionnaire, which was scored by a cross-section of civil society, comprising politicians, lawyers, activists, academics, retired bureaucrats, retired military officials and politically aware youth.

The report highlights six key issues that negatively impacted the quality of the 2024 general elections:

a) considerable delays in scheduling of the election, political repression, lack of impartiality from state institutions and worsening law and order in the pre-poll phase;

b) suspension of mobile phone and internet services that compromised the Election Management System (EMS) and created problems for public participation;

c) delay in the announcement of provisional results beyond the legal deadline;

d) widespread allegations of discrepancies between Form-45s and Form-47s, suggesting that the provisional result was tampered with at the RO offices;

e) failure to publish Forms 45, 46, 48 and 49 on the ECP website within 14 days of polling day, as mandated by Section 95 (10) of Elections Act, 2017; and,

f) ECP indecisiveness on the allocation of reserved seats to the Sunni Ittehad Council, which remained a major point of contention for 25 days.

Overall, Pildat scored the quality of general election 2024 at 49pc, not only below the 50pc threshold, but also lower than the overall score of the past two elections — 52pc for 2018 and 57pc for 2013.

In addition to a thorough investigation into the delays in transmission, consolidation and announcement of provisional results, the institute has asked ECP to explain the lack of contingency planning to meet result issuance deadlines in case of EMS inoperability, as well as its failure to publish signed copies of forms 45, 46, 48 and 49 within the stipulated timeframe.

It also recommended that election tribunals should be allowed to resolve disputes on a case-by-case basis. Although election tribunals are given a legal deadline of 180 days to decide election petitions, many petitions take much longer to decide.

“Pildat is deeply concerned that only two election tribunals have been constituted in Punjab compared to eight constituted after [the] 2018 general election and the nine reportedly requested by the ECP this time,” it said.

“This indicates that a much longer delay in deciding election petitions is expected this time,” the report said, demanding that the number of tribunals be adequately increased to decide all election petitions within the legal deadline of 180 days.

“Overall, the controversies and challenges that dominated the 2024 election cycle in Pakistan point once again to the need for transparency and accountability to overcome systemic shortcomings and safeguard the integrity of future electoral processes,” the report noted.

SOURCE: DAWN
 
PTI leader Babar Awan has demanded that a judicial commission be formed to investigate the alleged discrepancies in the Forms-45 issued by the Election Commission of Pakistan.

Speaking to the media outside the PHC, he asserted that the party would continue its “legal battle” to gain reserved seats in the assemblies.

Insisting that there were “only two ways” for the country to get out of the current crises, he said, “The first path is that all false cases and imaginary FIRs against Imran Khan be quashed.”

Stating that the “entire country has given Imran Khan the mandate”, the PTI leader said the mandate could not be “snatched by stealing it in any way”.

“When the PHC returned the bat symbol [to the PTI], who told the ECP to challenge it?” Awan asked.

Speaking alongside him, Senator Azam Swati appreciated the PHC and said “thieves have been imposed on the country”. Advocate Anwar called for a probe on those “who came into the offices of returning officers on the night” of the elections.

Dawn
 
Seriously, hearing all this makes me feel sick. Let's create a commission for the progress of the country too.
 
PML-N’s Khawaja Asif has recalled alleged irregularities during the 2018 general elections, claiming that the votes were counted after making the candidates’ polling agents leave the stations.

He claimed he had “sent the results on the white paper without signatures” to former army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa but his “response was only verbal consolation”.

07130446838c981.png
 
Everyone who cast their vote in 2018 knows who was present at every polling station.
 
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