News Analysis India

Tag: Pakistan General Elections 2024

  • Imran Khan Moves Pakistan SC To Seeking Judicial Panel To Probe 'Rigging' world news

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan on Wednesday moved the Supreme Court, requesting the formation of a judicial commission to “inquire, audit and examine” the manner and process of the February 8 general elections held in the country. , Geo News reported. The politician, who remains incarcerated at the Adiala jail following conviction in multiple cases, has filed the petition in light of the rigging allegations leveled by his party and others in the aftermath of “manipulation and fraud in the election results”.

    The petition, filed by senior lawyer Hamid Khan on behalf of the PTI founder, urged the apex court to form a judicial commission, consisting of serving SC judges holding no bias towards anyone, to “inquire, audit and examine the manner and process of general elections of 8 February 2024 and the developments that took place thereafter of compiling false and fraudulent results rendering winners into losers and losers into winners”.

    Imran Khan, in his plea, said that “all the consequential acts of forming governments at the federal and Punjab levels be immediately suspended” until the result of the judicial commission's probe is made public. “It is also prayed that all that is required to be done in the best interest of the nation, its electoral mandate and constitutional dispensation may kindly be ordered including requisite orders, directions and reliefs,” the plea added, Geo News reported.

    The government, Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (ECP), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Mutahidda Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) have all been named respondents in the plea, Geo News reported. According to the petition, the general elections were “openly rigged” with their results “manipulated”.

    “The people allegedly elected and returned to assemblies are being breaching the public trust by exercising the state authority by way of fraud,” it added. The plea further read that the country's Constitution cast a heavy duty upon the ECP to hold free, fair and transparent elections in Pakistan, but the polls were “massively rigged” and “manipulated with the help of Returning Officers (ROs) appointed by the electoral authority with involvement of even the caretaker set ups.

    “It has failed to perform its duties as given in Articles 218, 219 and related provisions of the Constitution as result of the elections held on February 8, 2024, which were massively rigged through the Returning Officers (ROs) appointed by Respondent No.2 and all care-taker governments were part of this fraud upon the electorate,” the petition added.

    It should be noted that since the conduct of the general elections in Pakistan, several political parties as well as independent candidates have raised questions over the transparency of the polling process, which was held across the country last month. Numerous protests and rallies were led by political parties and politicians who weren't satisfied with the results, terming them “rigged” and manipulated” by the then-caretaker set ups as well as the electoral body.

  • Amid Announcement Of Pakistan Election Results, Imran Khan Gets Bail In May 9-Linked Violence Cases | world news

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

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

    Imran and Qureshi were indicted as per charges on February 6. The duo was brought before the court, and the former prime minister informed the judge that he had been unjustly arrested on May 9 from the grounds of the Islamabad High Court (IHC), according to The Express Tribune.

    Imran was booked in many cases relating to the rioting that erupted throughout the country on May 9, following his detention in a corruption case. The complaints filed in Rawalpindi included an attack on the gate of General Headquarters (GHQ), rioting at a sensitive institution’s office, and other incidents.

    He rejected the claims included in the cases’ first information reports (FIRs). It should be mentioned that, following his release from Adiala jail, PTI leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi was hauled away by Punjab police in connection with the attack on the GHQ, according to The Express Tribune.

    In July last year, a high-level joint investigative team (JIT) looking into the May 9 violence decided to designate the former premier in two terrorist cases, including an attack on GHQ.

    With the inclusion of new sections to the proceedings, the PTI head was charged with planning and inciting violence. The bail has been granted to Imran Khan at a time when the results of the Pakistan General Elections that took place on February 8 are highly anticipated.

    The counting for the elections held on Thursday is underway, and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has emerged as the single-largest party but is trailing behind the independent candidates, mostly backed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI). .

    Meanwhile, amid the Election Commission of Pakistan drawing flak over the delay in declaration of the results of the general elections, former PM and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan on Saturday released a ‘victory speech’ in his AI- enabled voice, saying that the ‘London Plan’ of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif failed with the massive turnout of voters on polling day, as he also claimed victory in the general elections.

    Furthermore, Nawaz Sharif also announced his intention to form a united government with the help of his former allies – Pakistan Peoples Party, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (Pakistan) amid a fractured mandate.

    Nawaz and his brother Shehbaz Sharif’s party, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) have agreed to form a coalition government in the Center and Punjab, Geo TV reported on Saturday.

    Elections were held for 265 seats in the national assembly and a political party needs 133 seats for a simple majority. Voting in Pakistan concluded at 5 pm on Thursday amid escalating militant attacks and allegations of electoral misconduct.

    After the parliamentary polls, the newly elected parliament will select a prime minister. If no single party secures a majority, the party with the largest portion of assembly seats can form a coalition government.

    Meanwhile, a senior aide of Pakistan ex-PM Imran Khan said if complete poll results are not announced by tonight, we will hold peaceful protests tomorrow, Reuters reported.

  • Pakistan Elections 2024 Voting Exit Poll Results: Date, Time, Parties, Other Details | world news

    Pakistan is heading to the polls today amid a backdrop of persistent polarization and violence, presenting significant challenges for the nation. To ensure a close eye on security arrangements nationwide, the Interior Ministry of Pakistan has established a ‘control room’ for monitoring security during the voting process.

    Majority Mark

    Any party in Pakistan will need 169 seats in the 336-member National Assembly. While voters directly elect 266 members, there are 70 reserved seats – 60 for women and 10 for non-Muslims – allotted according to the number of seats won by each party.

    Voting and Exit Poll Results Time

    Voting will take place between 8am to 5pm. On the other hand, the Election Commission of Pakistan has allowed publishing of the exit poll results after the voting concludes. Therefore, the exit poll results will be out after 5pm this evening.

    Sharif Vs Khan Vs Bhutto

    Nawaz Sharif, the influential leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), is aiming for an unprecedented fourth term. His return to active politics follows four years of exile in London due to corruption charges. Upon returning in October, most of his convictions were overturned, enabling him to participate in the elections.

    In contrast, Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) and a popular leader, is currently incarcerated in Adiala jail on various charges. He has been disqualified from participating in the polls and is facing sentences in multiple cases. The Pakistan Supreme Court has also upheld the Election Commission’s decision to revoke PTI’s iconic ‘bat’ symbol.

    Amidst heightened political tensions and the ongoing economic crisis, Nawaz Sharif is focusing on articulating his vision for addressing the complex challenges facing Pakistan. He has pledged to establish “good relations” with India and emphasized a lack of desire for revenge.

    Sharif’s primary competitor is Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the 35-year-old Chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP). Bilawal, the son of the late PM Benazir Bhutto, positions himself as a youthful alternative to the seasoned Sharif.

    The PPP’s election manifesto promises to double the real incomes of wage earners by prioritizing growth, investments, and job creation. It focuses on addressing poverty, providing facilities to the working and lower class, and outlines plans for healthcare, education, food security, and women’s empowerment.

    Interestingly, PML-N and PPP were part of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) alliance, which assumed power after the removal of Imran Khan in April 2022. However, leading up to the polls, both parties have experienced conflicts.

    Political violence has escalated ahead of election day, with two blasts in separate locations in the southwestern province of Balochistan on Wednesday. Balochistan, plagued by decades of insurgency, witnessed the unfortunate incidents that resulted in at least 30 deaths and 40 injuries.

  • Pakistan General Elections 2024: A Crucible Of Change Amidst Power Struggles And Emerging Alliances | world news

    New Delhi: As Pakistan approaches its 2024 general elections, the political landscape reveals a complex tapestry of power struggles, unexpected alliances, and grassroots movements that promise to make these elections one of the most interesting in the nation’s history. In the heated political arena of Pakistan’s 2024 general elections, set to take place on feb 8th, 2024 to elect the members of the 16th National Assembly, a diverse array of political parties and candidates are in the fray, making it one of the most contested. elections in recent history.

    With over twelve political parties registered, the electoral battlefield showcases a wide spectrum of ideologies and regional interests. The number of candidates vying for seats is staggering, with thousands of individuals, including a significant number of independents, contesting across the nation.

    Among these are the prominent parties: the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), led by Nawaz Sharif; the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), spearheaded by Bilawal Bhutto; and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), under the leadership of Imran Khan, with a notable presence of their candidates even amidst challenging circumstances.

    Shehbaz Sharif, senior leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and former chief minister of Pakistan, finds himself in a precarious position. Experts opine that despite having been brought into power with the establishment/army’s backing, his influence across Pakistan seems to be waning. His campaign, focused on the government’s achievements before 2018, conveniently sidesteps discussions of the subsequent period marked by high inflation under his brother’s governance.

    Sharif’s strategic decision to contest from Kasur, abandoning his traditional stronghold in Lahore, is a testament to the shifting political sands. Interestingly, despite the apparent pressure from the military establishment in the past, Sharif refrains from criticizing army officers, a move that has not sat well with the public.

    On the other side of the political spectrum, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), led by Bilawal Bhutto, is gaining momentum. For the first time in three decades, a Bhutto is contesting from Lahore – a symbolic move since the PPP was founded in the house of stalwart leader Mubashar Hassan from this very city. Bilawal’s campaign is a clarion call to the workers of PTI and the general populace, positioning the electoral battle as one between the ‘Lion’ (PML-N’s symbol) and the ‘Arrow’ (PPP’s symbol). He vows to fight against the oppression and challenges Sharif’s leadership.

    The establishment’s apparent target, however, is the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), led by Imran Khan. In an unprecedented move, many of PTI’s top leaders, including Khan, find themselves behind bars, and the party’s election symbol, the cricket bat, has been controversially retracted. Despite these setbacks, more than 2000 PTI candidates are contesting as independents or from PTI symbol across 800 seats. The party’s campaign, stifled in physical spaces, has found a vibrant life on social media, with virtual rallies and songs in support of Khan resonating with the younger demographic.

    In an inspiring turn of events, the wives and mothers of incarcerated PTI leaders have stepped up to contest the elections. This surge in female candidacy, symbolized by Usman Dar’s mother’s Rehana Dar passionate campaign, underscores a pivotal moment for women in Pakistan’s political arena. She is contesting against Khawaja Asif, Pakistan’s former defense minister. The slogan she gave to the public “Maa Tujeh Salam” (Mother, I salute you) is emotionally resonating with the public and creating a stronger connection with her. Usman Dar, regarded as one of Khan’s trusted aides.

    Qaisra Parvez, the spouse of Pervez Elahi, a senior leader in the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and former Chief Minister of Punjab, is contesting the elections from the N-64 Gujrat constituency. Additionally, Ruba Umar, wife of Umar Dar, is a candidate in the PP-46 constituency. This election marks a historic first in Pakistan, as the women from the Chaudhry family are stepping directly into the political arena. They are not only aiming to uphold their family’s honor but are also taking a firm stance against the establishment.

    As the elections draw near, experts analyze voter turnout as a crucial factor. The high voter turnout in the recent by-elections in Punjab, where PTI secured 17 out of 18 seats, indicates a possible tilt in favor of PTI. However, there are concerns that efforts might be made to suppress voter turnout, which could lead to a more evenly distributed outcome among parties and benefit the establishment. Experts opine that this scenario could pave the way for a coalition government, potentially uniting Bilawal Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif in governance.

    The 2024 general elections in Pakistan are more than a political contest; They represent a pivotal test of the establishment’s influence and a significant challenge for Nawaz Sharif’s party. With the political landscape evolving rapidly, these elections promise to be a landmark event in Pakistan’s democratic journey.