Who will be Pakistan's next Prime Minister? Independent candidates backed by Jailed PTI leader Imran Khan are leading the polls. Meanwhile, PML-N's Nawaz Sharif has called for a coalition after admitting that his party does not have the number to form a government. What happens next?

Gravitas | Pakistan Elections: Imran Khan-backed candidates Lead | Nawaz Sharif plans coalition govt

Millions of Pakistanis voted on Thursday in an election marred by violence that has killed dozens, allegations of pre-poll rigging, and the jailing of the country's most popular politician, Imran Khan. Watch in the report for more details!

Pakistan Elections 2024: A poll marred by violence and controversies

What are the implications of Pakistan's general elections for India? Watch foreign policy commentator and CEO Ananta Aspen Indrani Bagchi on The India Story

Pakistan elections 2024: Impact on India

How will Pakistan's elections impact India?

Following a national election on Thursday, Pakistan experienced notable delays in the vote count. Independent candidates backed by jailed Imran Khan's PTI party are leading the show. PTI candidates are running as independents after they were not allowed to use the party symbol.

Pakistan Election Result 2024: Results out for 147 National Assembly seats

Pakistan Election Result 2024: Jailed ex-Imran Khan is backing independent candidates

Nawaz Sharif has won his seat in Lahore amid allegations of "unprecedented pre-poll rigging" levelled by Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) party. Imran Khan's party has alleged tampering in vote counting for the formation of the new government.

Pakistan Election Result 2024: Nawaz Sharif ‘wins’ NA-130 seat from Lahore

128 million Pakistanis will get to elect their country’s next government, and also the legislatures of the nation’s four provinces. These are Pakistan’s 12th general elections and the country’s latest attempt to deepen democratic roots.

Pakistan elections 2024: Polls open in Pakistan, 128 Million people eligible to vote

One security personnel was killed in an attack on a security forces vehicle in Pakistan's Dera Ismail Khan on Thursday. Assailants attacked the vehicle which was on election duty as per reports.

Pakistan elections 2024: One security personnel killed in attack in Dera Ismail Khan

Military has put its faith in former PM for fourth time, leading many to believe election outcome is already decided

Pakistan elections 2024: EX-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif set to make a comeback?

Third blast in Gulshan E Iqbal area of Karachi, Pakistan. Earlier in the day two separate bomb blasts took place outside the offices of election candidates in southwestern Pakistan. General elections will be held on Thursday. The blasts have put a question mark on the polls. WION'S Anas Mallick reports from Islamabad on the security situation.

Gravitas | Pakistan: 1 dead and 3 injured in Karachi explosion

Pakistan temporarily suspended mobile phone services on Thursday to strengthen security as voting began in the country's national election, the interior ministry said.

Pakistan elections 2024: Country on high alert on voting day

Pakistan elections 2024: Opposition cries foul over mobile shutdown

Pakistan is of course voting in its national elections where there's been violence that has taken place. At least about five policemen have been killed in a blast near a policeman in Dera Ismail Khan District. Earlier in day one Security Personnel was killed in an attack on security forces vehicles in the same area.

Pakistan elections 2024: Blast near police van in Dera Ismail Khan, 5 policeman killed

Pakistan is of course voting in its national elections where there's been violence that has taken place. At least about five policemen have been killed in a blast near a policeman in Dera Ismail Khan District. Earlier in day one Security Personnel was killed in an attack on security forces vehicles in the same area. To know more watch this interview with former diplomat, Abdul Basit.

Pakistan elections 2024: Terror attacks, pre-poll rigging allegations mar Pakistan polls

Pakistan elections 2024: Mobile services suspended in Pakistan due to security threats

Pakistan elections 2024: Terror attacks, pre-poll rigging allegations mar polls

On tonight's episode, we shed the spotlight on the women in Pakistan who are braving the violence in the country and standing up for democracy. While a record number of female candidates are contesting the polls, it still represents a dismal percentage of women participating in the country's politics. In some parts, ordinary women are not even allowed to cast their vote. As challenges multiply in the country, how can Pakistan ensure more political participation for women? What do you think is the way ahead?

Gravitas | Pak Elections: The brave women fighting poll violence, and gender gap

Ahead of elections in Pakistan, incidents of violence has spiked raising security concerns in the country. Incidents of blasts, attacks by militant groups and clashes have been reported across the country but especially in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Gravitas | Pakistan Elections: Blasts, Attacks Rock Karachi, Balochistan Ahead of Polls

Snap elections are underway in Azerbaijan. Months after a conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh brought the Armenian separatist region under Azerbaijan's control. Voters are still queuing up to cast their ballots. But it is widely expected that President Ilham Aliyev would return to power for another 7 years.

Azerbaijan's president speculated to return to power for 7 more years

Tensions soar in Karachi as rival political parties clash ahead of the February 8 elections. Watch the video to know more.

Pakistan Elections 2024: Fears rise over pre-election violence in Pakistan

Bombs ripped through two separate political offices in southwestern Pakistan on Wednesday, killing at least 27 people and wounding more than two dozen, the day before the country was set to elect a new parliament.

Pakistan both explosions in Balochistan province

The Myanmar Junta is facing the toughest challenge to its authority since seizing power in a February 2021 coup. A coalition of three armed ethnic minority groups called the Brotherhood Alliance, have made significant gains in the north, thereby galvanizing other opponents of the Junta. Increasingly losing ground, the military has stepped up its air assaults, with civilians frequently at the receiving end. Since the 2021 coup, more than 4,400 people have been killed in the military's crackdown on dissent. United Nations estimates about 2.3 million have been displaced by the violence so far. On the eve of the coup's third anniversary, Myanmar's military rulers extended a state of emergency, in place since the 2021 coup, by another six months, once again delaying the promised elections. While announcing the extension of the state of emergency, Myanmar army chief, Min Aung Hlaing, pledged to crush all opposition to the military rule.

Myanmar army chief pledges to crush all opposition

Donald Trump's bid for immunity from prosecution in the wake of allegations regarding his actions to overturn the 2020 election outcome suffered a significant setback as a federal appeals court dismissed the claim by the former US President on Tuesday (Feb 6). Special counsel Jack Smith's case against the former president, accusing him of election subversion, faced a blow as the court rejected Trump's argument that his actions were protected under presidential immunity.

The court's ruling stated,&nbsp;“For the purpose of this criminal case, former President Trump has become citizen Trump, with all of the defenses of any other criminal defendant. But any executive immunity that may have protected him while he served as President no longer protects him against this prosecution."&nbsp;

The ruling by the federals appeals court comes days after a federal judge in Washington officially postponed Trump's trial in the case which was scheduled for March this year. The three-judge panel was unanimous in its decision in the latest ruling which refuted Trump's presidential immunity claims in the 2020 election case. The two judges included those appointed by US President Joe Biden, J. Michelle Childs, and Florence Pan, and one was Karen LeCraft Henderson appointed by former US President George HW Bush.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-confuses-macron-with-former-french-prez-francois-mitterrand-who-died-nearly-30-years-ago-687569">Biden confuses Macron with former French prez Francois Mitterrand, who died nearly 30 years ago</a>

In a hard-hitting statement in the ruling, the court wrote, “It would be a striking paradox if the President, who alone is vested with the constitutional duty to take care that the laws be faithfully executed, were the sole officer capable of defying those laws with impunity."&nbsp;

After the ruling, Trump hit back saying that it is 'nation-destroying'. In a Truth Social post, the former US president said, “a President of the United States must have full Immunity in order to properly function and do what has to be done for the good of our Country".

“A President will be afraid to act for fear of the opposite Party’s Vicious Retribution after leaving Office,” he wrote, adding, “It will become a political weapon.”

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-training-better-equipment-among-key-recommendations-in-mpd-after-action-report-on-lahaina-wildfire-687535">Maui police recommends more training, better tech, equipment in report on Lahaina wildfire</a>

In an earlier statement, Trump's attorney John Sauer argued that the prospect of prosecution could deter future presidents from making decisions. He&nbsp;suggested they may feel compelled to constantly second-guess themselves, questioning, “Am I going to jail for this?”&nbsp;when confronted with contentious choices.

<section>
Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/joe-biden-has-lower-approval-than-all-recent-sitting-presidents-gallup-poll-687573">Joe Biden has lower approval than all recent sitting presidents: Gallup poll</a>

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Taking a cue from this, the court said, “Past presidents have understood themselves to be subject to impeachment and criminal liability, at least under certain circumstances, so the possibility of chilling executive action is already in effect."

Now, Trump's legal team has the option to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court or to request a review at the appeals court, which entails the case being reheard by the entire DC Circuit.
</section>

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

Donald Trump's bid for immunity from prosecution in the wake of allegations regarding his actions to overturn the 2020 election outcome suffered a significant setback as a federal appeals court dismissed the claim by the former US President on Tuesday (Feb 6).

Donald Trump's bid for immunity from prosecution in the wake of allegations regarding his actions to overturn the 2020 election outcome suffered a significant setback as a federal appeals court dismissed the claim by the former US President on Tuesday (Feb 6). Special counsel Jack Smith's case against the former president, accusing him of election subversion, faced a blow as the court rejected Trump's argument that his actions were protected under presidential immunity. The court's ruling stated, “For the purpose of this criminal case, former President Trump has become citizen Trump, with all of the defenses of any other criminal defendant. But any executive immunity that may have protected him while he served as President no longer protects him against this prosecution." The ruling by the federals appeals court comes days after a federal judge in Washington officially postponed Trump's trial in the case which was scheduled for March this year. The three-judge panel was unanimous in its decision in the latest ruling which refuted Trump's presidential immunity claims in the 2020 election case. The two judges included those appointed by US President Joe Biden, J. Michelle Childs, and Florence Pan, and one was Karen LeCraft Henderson appointed by former US President George HW Bush. Also Read | Biden confuses Macron with former French prez Francois Mitterrand, who died nearly 30 years ago In a hard-hitting statement in the ruling, the court wrote, “It would be a striking paradox if the President, who alone is vested with the constitutional duty to take care that the laws be faithfully executed, were the sole officer capable of defying those laws with impunity." After the ruling, Trump hit back saying that it is 'nation-destroying'. In a Truth Social post, the former US president said, “a President of the United States must have full Immunity in order to properly function and do what has to be done for the good of our Country". “A President will be afraid to act for fear of the opposite Party’s Vicious Retribution after leaving Office,” he wrote, adding, “It will become a political weapon.” Also Read | Maui police recommends more training, better tech, equipment in report on Lahaina wildfire In an earlier statement, Trump's attorney John Sauer argued that the prospect of prosecution could deter future presidents from making decisions. He suggested they may feel compelled to constantly second-guess themselves, questioning, “Am I going to jail for this?” when confronted with contentious choices. Watch | Joe Biden has lower approval than all recent sitting presidents: Gallup poll × Taking a cue from this, the court said, “Past presidents have understood themselves to be subject to impeachment and criminal liability, at least under certain circumstances, so the possibility of chilling executive action is already in effect." Now, Trump's legal team has the option to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court or to request a review at the appeals court, which entails the case being reheard by the entire DC Circuit. (With inputs from agencies)

'Nation-destroying': Trump slams court ruling rejecting immunity from prosecution over 2020 election case

As Pakistan prepares for its general elections on the 8th of February, it was served a cruel reminder late on the 29th of January that all is not well in its largest province, Balochistan. The restive province was jolted when heavily armed terrorists launched three coordinated attacks, including one on a high-security prison. The attacks left four law enforcement personnel and two civilians dead. A 12-hour gun battle was triggered in which nine of the terrorists were also killed. The banned separatist group Baloch Liberation Army claimed responsibility for the attacks. How potent is the danger posed by the Baloch Liberation Army and why has Pakistan failed, so far, to rein in the separatists? Mohammed Saleh brings you the details.

Why has Pakistan failed to rein in insurgency in Balochistan?

On Thursday (February 8), 128 million Pakistanis will get to elect their country’s next government, and also the legislatures of the nation’s four provinces. These are Pakistan’s 12th general elections and the country’s latest attempt to deepen democratic roots.

Pakistan Elections 2024: 28 million voters preparing to elect a new government

Following the Supreme Court's criticism of the municipal poll officer for "defacing" the ballot paper in the Chandigarh Mayor polls, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) presented CCTV footage on Monday, claiming that the BJP Presiding officer openly destroyed and invalidated votes.

Sharing the CCTV footage as 'proof' of the ballot paper tampering by the civic poll officer, the Aam Aadmi Party, in a post on X, wrote, "Now accept it, BJP. What can be a greater proof than this? See how the Presiding Officer of BJP openly destroyed the flag of democracy by cancelling the votes himself. This is a living proof of BJP's dictatorship."

The Supreme Court had slammed the poll officer who held the Chandigarh Mayor elections and said that it is obvious that the returning officer has "defaced" the ballot papers.

"Is this the way he conducts the elections? This is a mockery of democracy. This is a murder of democracy. We are appalled. This man should be prosecuted. Is this the behaviour of the Returning Officer?," Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud said.

The apex court further ordered the preservation of an entire record of the election process including ballot papers, videography and other material through the Registrar General of Punjab and Haryana High Court.

Earlier, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and other party leaders on February 2 staged a protest in Delhi against the BJP over the Chandigarh mayoral elections.

During the protest, Kejriwal said, "BJP messes up in elections; there were often allegations that BJP wins elections by messing up; BJP steals election votes, tampers with EVMs gets names removed from the voter list, and adds fake names, we heard. We used to hear that fake votes were cast but never found any proof. There is a verse written in the Gita, 'Yada Yada hi Dharmasya Glanirbhavati Bharata';&nbsp;whenever too much sin is committed on this earth, then the God above will come to the earth."

"This election in Chandigarh shows that they are the pot of sin. How did it get filled? When the pot of sin gets filled too much, then nature moves its broom, and God moves its broom and corrects things. The Chandigarh election was a small one. The world's biggest party was caught stealing votes in the Chandigarh elections; it was caught red-handed," he added.&nbsp;

Following the Supreme Court's criticism of the municipal poll officer for "defacing" the ballot paper in the Chandigarh Mayor polls, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) presented CCTV footage on Monday, claiming that the BJP Presiding officer openly destroyed and invalidated votes.

Following the Supreme Court's criticism of the municipal poll officer for "defacing" the ballot paper in the Chandigarh Mayor polls, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) presented CCTV footage on Monday, claiming that the BJP Presiding officer openly destroyed and invalidated votes. Sharing the CCTV footage as 'proof' of the ballot paper tampering by the civic poll officer, the Aam Aadmi Party, in a post on X, wrote, "Now accept it, BJP. What can be a greater proof than this? See how the Presiding Officer of BJP openly destroyed the flag of democracy by cancelling the votes himself. This is a living proof of BJP's dictatorship." The Supreme Court had slammed the poll officer who held the Chandigarh Mayor elections and said that it is obvious that the returning officer has "defaced" the ballot papers. "Is this the way he conducts the elections? This is a mockery of democracy. This is a murder of democracy. We are appalled. This man should be prosecuted. Is this the behaviour of the Returning Officer?," Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud said. The apex court further ordered the preservation of an entire record of the election process including ballot papers, videography and other material through the Registrar General of Punjab and Haryana High Court. Earlier, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and other party leaders on February 2 staged a protest in Delhi against the BJP over the Chandigarh mayoral elections. During the protest, Kejriwal said, "BJP messes up in elections; there were often allegations that BJP wins elections by messing up; BJP steals election votes, tampers with EVMs gets names removed from the voter list, and adds fake names, we heard. We used to hear that fake votes were cast but never found any proof. There is a verse written in the Gita, 'Yada Yada hi Dharmasya Glanirbhavati Bharata'; whenever too much sin is committed on this earth, then the God above will come to the earth." "This election in Chandigarh shows that they are the pot of sin. How did it get filled? When the pot of sin gets filled too much, then nature moves its broom, and God moves its broom and corrects things. The Chandigarh election was a small one. The world's biggest party was caught stealing votes in the Chandigarh elections; it was caught red-handed," he added.

India: AAP presents 'proof' of ballot paper tampering by BJP in Chandigarh mayor elections

At least 27 people were killed on Wednesday (Feb 7) and 40 others injured in twin blasts which rocked&nbsp;southwestern Balochistan province&nbsp;on the eve of Pakistan's general election.

The first blast took place outside a political party's office&nbsp;of independent candidate Asfandyar Kakar in Pishin, southwestern Balochistan province in which at least 15 people were killed and 30 others were injured.&nbsp;

“The blast took place in the office of the candidate of Nokandi area of Pishin district,” said Pishin Deputy Commissioner Jumma Dad Khan, as reported by Reuters.

As per the&nbsp;Election Commission of Pakistan's (ECP) electoral list, Kakar is an independent candidate who is contesting for PB-47 with ‘bowl’ as his electoral symbol.

The second blast took place&nbsp;outside the office of&nbsp;Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) in the Killa Saifullah district, in which at&nbsp;least 12 people were killed and several others were&nbsp;injured,&nbsp;according to Deputy Commissioner Yasir Bazai.

<h2>Election Commission of Pakistan seeks report on blasts</h2>

The Election Commission of Pakistan took notice of the blast in Pishin and immediately sought reports from the provincial police chief and provincial chief secretary.&nbsp;

“The election commission has sought immediate reports from the chief secretary and the Balochistan police chief and directed them to take action against those involved in the incident,” said the commission, as reported by Dawn.&nbsp;

Balochistan’s caretaker Minister for Home and Tribal Affairs Mir Zubair Khan Jamali took notice of the blast in Pishin.

In his statement, Jamali expressed regret over the lives which were lost in the blast and asked the deputy commissioner to submit a report.

He said that the enemies of the country have been looking to create instability. “The election process will not be affected by such an attack,” Jamali said.

<h2>Balochistan minister appeals people to vote</h2>

Caretaker Interior Minister Gohar Ejaz strongly condemned the blast which took place outside the independent candidate’s election office in Pishin.

In a post shared on X, the interim minister offered his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.

The blast in Pishin was condemned by Interim Balochistan Chief Minister Ali Mardan Khan Domki and he sought a report from the interior ministry.

Watch:&nbsp;Pakistan: Bomb explosion near Peshawar public school, 5 injured in blast

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In a statement, the minister expressed deep sorrow and regret over those killed and instructed officials to arrest those involved in the incidents.

“Such incidents are a conspiracy to undermine the process of peaceful elections […] the elements involved in such incidents should be brought to justice […] All the resources are being used to provide complete security to the people,” Domki said.

He further encouraged people to not be afraid and exercise their right to vote tomorrow.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least 27 people were killed on Wednesday (Feb 7) and 40 others injured in twin blasts which rocked southwestern Balochistan province on the eve of Pakistan's general election.

At least 27 people were killed on Wednesday (Feb 7) and 40 others injured in twin blasts which rocked southwestern Balochistan province on the eve of Pakistan's general election. The first blast took place outside a political party's office of independent candidate Asfandyar Kakar in Pishin, southwestern Balochistan province in which at least 15 people were killed and 30 others were injured. “The blast took place in the office of the candidate of Nokandi area of Pishin district,” said Pishin Deputy Commissioner Jumma Dad Khan, as reported by Reuters. As per the Election Commission of Pakistan's (ECP) electoral list, Kakar is an independent candidate who is contesting for PB-47 with ‘bowl’ as his electoral symbol. The second blast took place outside the office of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) in the Killa Saifullah district, in which at least 12 people were killed and several others were injured, according to Deputy Commissioner Yasir Bazai. Election Commission of Pakistan seeks report on blasts The Election Commission of Pakistan took notice of the blast in Pishin and immediately sought reports from the provincial police chief and provincial chief secretary. “The election commission has sought immediate reports from the chief secretary and the Balochistan police chief and directed them to take action against those involved in the incident,” said the commission, as reported by Dawn. Balochistan’s caretaker Minister for Home and Tribal Affairs Mir Zubair Khan Jamali took notice of the blast in Pishin. In his statement, Jamali expressed regret over the lives which were lost in the blast and asked the deputy commissioner to submit a report. He said that the enemies of the country have been looking to create instability. “The election process will not be affected by such an attack,” Jamali said. Balochistan minister appeals people to vote Caretaker Interior Minister Gohar Ejaz strongly condemned the blast which took place outside the independent candidate’s election office in Pishin. In a post shared on X, the interim minister offered his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. The blast in Pishin was condemned by Interim Balochistan Chief Minister Ali Mardan Khan Domki and he sought a report from the interior ministry. Watch: Pakistan: Bomb explosion near Peshawar public school, 5 injured in blast In a statement, the minister expressed deep sorrow and regret over those killed and instructed officials to arrest those involved in the incidents. “Such incidents are a conspiracy to undermine the process of peaceful elections […] the elements involved in such incidents should be brought to justice […] All the resources are being used to provide complete security to the people,” Domki said. He further encouraged people to not be afraid and exercise their right to vote tomorrow. (With inputs from agencies)

Pak: 27 killed as twin blasts rock areas near offices of Balochistan candidates on eve of elections

At least 20 people were killed and several suffered injuries in a blast near an election office in Balochistan province, on the eve of Pakistan's crucial general elections.

Pakistan: 20 killed, 40 injured as deadly explosion rocks Pakistan

Perched on her weathered charpai, Naeem Kausir confesses timidly that she would prefer to vote in Pakistan's upcoming elections if only her husband would give her permission. Watch this video to know the whole story.

Pakistan elections 2024: Meet the Pakistan women who are barred from voting by their husbands

Republican frontrunner has challenged the US President to an immediate debate for the good of America. Will the two contenders take the podium anytime soon?

Donald Trump dares Joe Biden to a presidential debate

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