Imran Khan has said that he opposes any prospect of getting a presidential pardon in the legal cases he embroiled in. The PTI party Chief has reportedly asked President Arif Alvi not to consider any request for a pardon for his convictions.

Imran Khan refuses to accept a presidential pardon for his convictions: Reports

<p>Jailed former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi on Tuesday (Feb 27) were indicted in a $241 million reference case for alleged land misappropriation in the name of Al-Qadir University Trust.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The hearing reportedly took place at the Adiala jail where Khan&nbsp;is currently incarcerated in Toshakhana, cipher and illegal marriage cases.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/who-is-bushra-bibi-the-mystical-wife-of-ex-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-685993">Who is Bushra Bibi, the prayerful wife of ex-Pakistan PM Imran Khan?</a></strong><br />
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The National Accountability Bureau was investigating Khan, his wife, and others about the alleged acquisition of hundreds of kanals of land under the name of Al Qadir University Trust. This acquisition, it is alleged, resulted in a reported loss of $241 million to the Pakistani exchequer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Several members of Pakistan's National Accountability Bureau, including the chairperson Lt Gen (Retd) Nazir Ahmed Butt, are former army officers, indicating the iron-hold of the Pakistani military-intelligence nexus dubbed as establishment, on the country's governance apparatus.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-wife-bushra-sentenced-to-14-years-of-rigorous-punishment-in-toshakhana-case-report-685372">Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan, wife Bushra sentenced to 14 years in Toshakhana case</a></strong></p>

<p>During the hearing on Tuesday (Feb 26), the Accountability&nbsp;Court said that statements of 58 witnesses will be recorded in the case, Pakistan's Geo News reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The judge reportedly asked the PTI founder if he was guilty or not while framing charges against him.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/al-qadir-trust-case-everything-about-the-case-that-led-to-former-pak-pm-imran-khans-arrest-590646">Al-Qadir Trust case: Everything about the case that led to former Pak PM Imran Khan's arrest</a></strong></p>

<p>At this, Khan said: "Why should I read the charge sheet when I know what's written in it?"</p>

<p>Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi then denied the charges against them.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Calm before the storm for Imran Khan in the Al-Qadir trust case</strong></p>

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<p>Imran Khan remains jailed since August 2023. His party Pakistan-Tehreek-e-Insaf was stripped off of its election symbol bat during the country's Feb 8 national elections after the election commission accused it of flouting rules related to intra-party elections. The candidates affiliated with Khan's party, however, still won the maximum number of seats in the elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p><i>(With inputs from agencies)</i></p>


Jailed former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi on Tuesday (Feb 27) were indicted in a $241 million reference case for alleged land misappropriation in the name of Al-Qadir University Trust.

Jailed former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi on Tuesday (Feb 27) were indicted in a $241 million reference case for alleged land misappropriation in the name of Al-Qadir University Trust. The hearing reportedly took place at the Adiala jail where Khan is currently incarcerated in Toshakhana, cipher and illegal marriage cases. Also read | Who is Bushra Bibi, the prayerful wife of ex-Pakistan PM Imran Khan? The National Accountability Bureau was investigating Khan, his wife, and others about the alleged acquisition of hundreds of kanals of land under the name of Al Qadir University Trust. This acquisition, it is alleged, resulted in a reported loss of $241 million to the Pakistani exchequer. Several members of Pakistan's National Accountability Bureau, including the chairperson Lt Gen (Retd) Nazir Ahmed Butt, are former army officers, indicating the iron-hold of the Pakistani military-intelligence nexus dubbed as establishment, on the country's governance apparatus. Also read | Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan, wife Bushra sentenced to 14 years in Toshakhana case During the hearing on Tuesday (Feb 26), the Accountability Court said that statements of 58 witnesses will be recorded in the case, Pakistan's Geo News reported. The judge reportedly asked the PTI founder if he was guilty or not while framing charges against him. Also read | Al-Qadir Trust case: Everything about the case that led to former Pak PM Imran Khan's arrest At this, Khan said: "Why should I read the charge sheet when I know what's written in it?" Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi then denied the charges against them. Also watch | Calm before the storm for Imran Khan in the Al-Qadir trust case × Imran Khan remains jailed since August 2023. His party Pakistan-Tehreek-e-Insaf was stripped off of its election symbol bat during the country's Feb 8 national elections after the election commission accused it of flouting rules related to intra-party elections. The candidates affiliated with Khan's party, however, still won the maximum number of seats in the elections. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan ex-PM Imran Khan, wife Bushra Bibi indicted in Al-Qadir Trust case

Pakistan: Can Arif Alvi grant pardon to Imran Khan?

Pakistan: President Arif Alvi getting demands to pardon Imran Khan

<p>Jailed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan has opposed the&nbsp;prospect of securing any relief from his legal troubles via presidential pardon by President Arif Alvi, according to Pakistani media reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PTI's Information Secretary Raoof Hasan told <em>The News </em>that in light of the demand for pardon from Imran's supporters and well-wishers on various platforms, including social media, the PTI boss had conveyed to President Alvi not to consider any such request.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, Article 45 of the Pakistani Constitution empowers the president to pardon any convict.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The President shall have power to grant pardon, reprieve and respite, and to remit, suspend or commute any sentence passed by any court, tribunal or other authority," it reads.</p>

<p>The cricketer-turned-politician has been embroiled in a host of legal cases since his ouster as the prime minister of the country. In the last few months, he has been convicted in the Cipher,&nbsp;Toshakhana and un-Islamic nikah case, inviting a collective 31-year prison sentence.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-pakistan-imran-khans-rivals-strike-deal-on-coalition-government-can-they-survive-692477"><strong>Watch | Gravitas: Imran Khan's rivals strike deal on coalition government | Can they survive?</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Alvi's soft spot for Imran</strong></h2>

<p>Alvi, who was among the founding members of Imran's party, has been known to display a soft spot towards PTI and the former cricketer. Prior to the elections, he had asked the caretaker government to address concerns raised by Imran's party regarding the "erosion of fundamental rights" and lack of equal opportunities for candidates.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Monday (Feb 26) Alvi reportedly rejected a move to summon the first session of the newly elected National Assembly&nbsp;on February 29.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Alvi rejected the summary from the caretaker parliamentary affairs ministry and maintained that all reserved seats be allocated before the summoning of the session.</p>

<p>Owing to his connections with Imran, a petition was filed in the Supreme Court in November last year seeking Arif's removal as the president.&nbsp;Filed by Ghulam Murtaza Khan, the petition demanded his removal on grounds of "misconduct" and that he had&nbsp;shirked his constitutional responsibilities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The petition added that Alvi had utilised his office and resources to host&nbsp;party meetings, in support of the PTI, which contends to&nbsp;misuse of presidential powers.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/from-2800-to-4000-president-of-cash-strapped-pakistan-demands-massive-hike-in-monthly-salary-630580"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;From $2800 to $4000: President of cash-strapped Pakistan demands massive hike in monthly salary</strong></a></p>

<p>Notably, Alvi's five-year presidential term officially concluded in September last year but he is currently holding the position under&nbsp;Article 44 of Pakistan's Constitution due to the dissolution of both provincial and national assemblies. Experts believe that before stepping down, Alvi might attempt to give Imran some breathing space.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Jailed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan has opposed the prospect of securing any relief from his legal troubles via presidential pardon by President Arif Alvi, according to Pakistani media reports.

Jailed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan has opposed the prospect of securing any relief from his legal troubles via presidential pardon by President Arif Alvi, according to Pakistani media reports. PTI's Information Secretary Raoof Hasan told The News that in light of the demand for pardon from Imran's supporters and well-wishers on various platforms, including social media, the PTI boss had conveyed to President Alvi not to consider any such request. Notably, Article 45 of the Pakistani Constitution empowers the president to pardon any convict. "The President shall have power to grant pardon, reprieve and respite, and to remit, suspend or commute any sentence passed by any court, tribunal or other authority," it reads. The cricketer-turned-politician has been embroiled in a host of legal cases since his ouster as the prime minister of the country. In the last few months, he has been convicted in the Cipher, Toshakhana and un-Islamic nikah case, inviting a collective 31-year prison sentence. Watch | Gravitas: Imran Khan's rivals strike deal on coalition government | Can they survive? × Alvi's soft spot for Imran Alvi, who was among the founding members of Imran's party, has been known to display a soft spot towards PTI and the former cricketer. Prior to the elections, he had asked the caretaker government to address concerns raised by Imran's party regarding the "erosion of fundamental rights" and lack of equal opportunities for candidates. On Monday (Feb 26) Alvi reportedly rejected a move to summon the first session of the newly elected National Assembly on February 29. Alvi rejected the summary from the caretaker parliamentary affairs ministry and maintained that all reserved seats be allocated before the summoning of the session. Owing to his connections with Imran, a petition was filed in the Supreme Court in November last year seeking Arif's removal as the president. Filed by Ghulam Murtaza Khan, the petition demanded his removal on grounds of "misconduct" and that he had shirked his constitutional responsibilities. The petition added that Alvi had utilised his office and resources to host party meetings, in support of the PTI, which contends to misuse of presidential powers. Also read | From $2800 to $4000: President of cash-strapped Pakistan demands massive hike in monthly salary Notably, Alvi's five-year presidential term officially concluded in September last year but he is currently holding the position under Article 44 of Pakistan's Constitution due to the dissolution of both provincial and national assemblies. Experts believe that before stepping down, Alvi might attempt to give Imran some breathing space. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan: Will Arif Alvi grant presidential pardon to PTI chief Imran Khan?

<p>Jailed former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan said on Friday (Feb 23) that he has written a letter to International Monetary Fund (IMF) urging the world body to not approve new loan to Pakistan before an audit of the recently concluded elections, said reports in Pakistani media.</p>

<p>"The letter has been written to the IMF and will be dispatched today. If the country gets a loan in such a situation, then who will return it?," said Khan during hearing of GBP 190 million corruption case against him in Adiala jail, as per media reports.</p>

<p>The News International reports&nbsp;Khan saying&nbsp;that additional loan would be burdensome for the South Asian nation and would increase poverty.</p>

<p>A senator of Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had said just a day ago that Khan would write such a letter to IMF urging it for an audit of the February 8 elections.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Shehbaz Sharif set to return as Pak PM | No photograph of living things in Afghanistan</strong></p>

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<p>The IMF, meanwhile, has indicated that it was ready to work with the new government in Pakistan.</p>

<p>IMF spokesperson Julie Kozack said that the global body was ready to work "on policies to ensure macroeconomic stability and prosperity for all of Pakistan’s citizens."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/new-pak-government-likely-by-march-2-presidential-poll-before-march-9-report-693357">New Pak government likely by March 2; presidential poll before March 9: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>Imran Khan's party has alleged that the elections were rigged. When the counting of votes began, the PTI registered an impressive performance as candidates affiliated to it won 95 of 265 seats in Pakistan parliament. However, former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) has emerged as the largest party. PMLN now has 108 lawmakers in the parliament.</p>

<p>PTI claims that Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) officials engaged in widespread rigging of poll and declared defeat of PTI-linked candidates on dozens of seats in spite of their victory. The ECP has denied these allegations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PMLN has now joined hands with Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari's Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and is in a process to form the government.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Jailed former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan said on Friday (Feb 23) that he has written a letter to International Monetary Fund (IMF) urging the world body to not approve new loan to Pakistan before an audit of the recently concluded elections, said reports in Pakistani media.

Jailed former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan said on Friday (Feb 23) that he has written a letter to International Monetary Fund (IMF) urging the world body to not approve new loan to Pakistan before an audit of the recently concluded elections, said reports in Pakistani media. "The letter has been written to the IMF and will be dispatched today. If the country gets a loan in such a situation, then who will return it?," said Khan during hearing of GBP 190 million corruption case against him in Adiala jail, as per media reports. The News International reports Khan saying that additional loan would be burdensome for the South Asian nation and would increase poverty. A senator of Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had said just a day ago that Khan would write such a letter to IMF urging it for an audit of the February 8 elections. Watch | Shehbaz Sharif set to return as Pak PM | No photograph of living things in Afghanistan × The IMF, meanwhile, has indicated that it was ready to work with the new government in Pakistan. IMF spokesperson Julie Kozack said that the global body was ready to work "on policies to ensure macroeconomic stability and prosperity for all of Pakistan’s citizens." Also Read | New Pak government likely by March 2; presidential poll before March 9: Report Imran Khan's party has alleged that the elections were rigged. When the counting of votes began, the PTI registered an impressive performance as candidates affiliated to it won 95 of 265 seats in Pakistan parliament. However, former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) has emerged as the largest party. PMLN now has 108 lawmakers in the parliament. PTI claims that Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) officials engaged in widespread rigging of poll and declared defeat of PTI-linked candidates on dozens of seats in spite of their victory. The ECP has denied these allegations. PMLN has now joined hands with Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari's Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and is in a process to form the government. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan ex-PM Imran Khan asks IMF to hold election audit before new loan: Reports

Jailed former prime minister Imran Khan on Thursday announced that he will write to the IMF, demanding the global lender to stop its support to cash-strapped Pakistan until it seeks an "audit" of the elections mired in controversies, including vote rigging.

Pakistani Imran Khan urges IMF to call election audit, his lawyer says

Pakistan ex-PM Imran Khan urges IMF to call election audit, his lawyer says

<p>Imran Khan, the imprisoned former prime minister of Pakistan, plans to write to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), urging them to advocate for an impartial audit of the national elections contested on February 8 before resuming discussions with Islamabad, as stated by his lawyer on Thursday.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/imran-khan-forced-to-play-without-his-bat-676595" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/imran-khan-forced-to-play-without-his-bat-676595&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjNn5D9jr-EAxUP-DgGHdIPDBoQFnoECAkQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw0FNXlRNRj6hqNUQ5rHddUz" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/imran-khan-forced-to-play-without-his-bat-676595" target="_blank"><b>Imran Khan</b>&nbsp;forced to play without his 'bat'</a></p>

<p>It may be mentioned here, last summer, Pakistan avoided default with a short-term IMF bailout, but the program concludes next month, necessitating negotiations for a long-term arrangement to stabilise the $350 billion economy.</p>

<p>Imran Khan and his party allege election rigging, as the recently held polls did not yield a majority for any party.</p>

<p>Although candidates supported by Khan secured the most seats, a coalition of rival parties holds a greater number of seats and is poised to form the next government.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-elections-2024-imran-khan-casts-postal-ballot-wife-bushra-denied-right-to-vote-688136">Pakistan Elections 2024: Imran Khan casts postal ballot, wife Bushra denied right to vote</a></p>

<p>Imran Khan's lawyer, Ali Zafar, announced that Khan's letter to the IMF will explicitly state that if the IMF wishes to engage in talks with Pakistan, it should insist on conditions, including an independent audit of the elections.</p>

<p>Zafar emphasised that multilateral agencies like the IMF and international blocs such as the European Union can only provide financial assistance contingent upon good governance, democracy, and the conduct of free and fair elections.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Troubles mount for Imran Khan's PTI</strong></p>

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<p>While Pakistan's election commission refutes widespread rigging, it is currently addressing complaints from various parties alleging irregularities.</p>

<p>Zafar pointed out that the IMF previously engaged with political parties to secure assurances of their commitment to key objectives and policies under the bailout program.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Imran Khan, the imprisoned former prime minister of Pakistan, plans to write to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), urging them to advocate for an impartial audit of the national elections contested on February 8 before resuming discussions with Islamabad, as stated by his lawyer on Thursday.

Imran Khan, the imprisoned former prime minister of Pakistan, plans to write to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), urging them to advocate for an impartial audit of the national elections contested on February 8 before resuming discussions with Islamabad, as stated by his lawyer on Thursday. Also read: Imran Khan forced to play without his 'bat' It may be mentioned here, last summer, Pakistan avoided default with a short-term IMF bailout, but the program concludes next month, necessitating negotiations for a long-term arrangement to stabilise the $350 billion economy. Imran Khan and his party allege election rigging, as the recently held polls did not yield a majority for any party. Although candidates supported by Khan secured the most seats, a coalition of rival parties holds a greater number of seats and is poised to form the next government. Also read: Pakistan Elections 2024: Imran Khan casts postal ballot, wife Bushra denied right to vote Imran Khan's lawyer, Ali Zafar, announced that Khan's letter to the IMF will explicitly state that if the IMF wishes to engage in talks with Pakistan, it should insist on conditions, including an independent audit of the elections. Zafar emphasised that multilateral agencies like the IMF and international blocs such as the European Union can only provide financial assistance contingent upon good governance, democracy, and the conduct of free and fair elections. Watch: Troubles mount for Imran Khan's PTI × While Pakistan's election commission refutes widespread rigging, it is currently addressing complaints from various parties alleging irregularities. Zafar pointed out that the IMF previously engaged with political parties to secure assurances of their commitment to key objectives and policies under the bailout program. (With inputs from agencies)

Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan calls on IMF to conduct election audit, his lawyer says

<p>The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is looking into allegations of poll rigging and has formed a high-level committee to probe the matter. The investigation was triggered by allegations of poll rigging made by former Rawalpindi commissioner. ARY News reported on Wednesday (Feb 21) citing sources that the committee has already recorded statements of District Returning Officers (DRO) and Returning Officers (ROs) of 13 National Assembly constituencies and 26 assembly constituencies of Rawalpindi division.</p>

<p>The findings, including the statements of DROs and ROs will be compiled and submitted to Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Wednesday.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the party of former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan, has demanded immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja. The party alleges that Raja failed to conduct free and fair elections.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | PML-N &amp; PPP to form coalition government, Sharif set to become PM</strong></p>

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<p>PTI had also&nbsp;demanded investigation into former Rawalpindi commissioner Liaquat Ali Chatha's allegations. Chatha resigned from his post on February 17 saying that Pakistan's chief election commissioner and chief justice were involved in poll rigging. Both, the CEC and the Chief Justice of Pakistan have denied the allegations.</p>

<p>PTI is saying that an impartial inquiry into the claims would only be possible if CEC steps down from his position.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Following his allegations against the chief election commissioner, the former Rawalpindi commissioner was transferred and Rawalpindi Development Authority DG Saif Anwar Jappa was assigned the additional charge.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-elections-pmln-and-ppp-reach-coalition-agreement-after-much-tussle-692139">Pakistan Elections: PML-N and PPP reach coalition agreement after much tussle</a></strong></p>

<p>Recently concluded general elections in Pakistan continue to generate controversy. In months before the elections, Pakistani authorities cracked down on PTI leaders and cadre. Imran Khan himself is in jail currently and faces a barrage of legal cases still pending against him. PTI was even removed from the election ballot forcing the party candidates to contest as independents.</p>

<p>In spite of huge odds stacked against the party, the candidates affiliated to it registered good performance in the elections. But former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif claimed victory for his Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) party.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is looking into allegations of poll rigging and has formed a high-level committee to probe the matter. The investigation was triggered by allegations of poll rigging made by former Rawalpindi commissioner.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is looking into allegations of poll rigging and has formed a high-level committee to probe the matter. The investigation was triggered by allegations of poll rigging made by former Rawalpindi commissioner. ARY News reported on Wednesday (Feb 21) citing sources that the committee has already recorded statements of District Returning Officers (DRO) and Returning Officers (ROs) of 13 National Assembly constituencies and 26 assembly constituencies of Rawalpindi division. The findings, including the statements of DROs and ROs will be compiled and submitted to Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the party of former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan, has demanded immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja. The party alleges that Raja failed to conduct free and fair elections. Watch | PML-N & PPP to form coalition government, Sharif set to become PM × PTI had also demanded investigation into former Rawalpindi commissioner Liaquat Ali Chatha's allegations. Chatha resigned from his post on February 17 saying that Pakistan's chief election commissioner and chief justice were involved in poll rigging. Both, the CEC and the Chief Justice of Pakistan have denied the allegations. PTI is saying that an impartial inquiry into the claims would only be possible if CEC steps down from his position. Following his allegations against the chief election commissioner, the former Rawalpindi commissioner was transferred and Rawalpindi Development Authority DG Saif Anwar Jappa was assigned the additional charge. Also Read | Pakistan Elections: PML-N and PPP reach coalition agreement after much tussle Recently concluded general elections in Pakistan continue to generate controversy. In months before the elections, Pakistani authorities cracked down on PTI leaders and cadre. Imran Khan himself is in jail currently and faces a barrage of legal cases still pending against him. PTI was even removed from the election ballot forcing the party candidates to contest as independents. In spite of huge odds stacked against the party, the candidates affiliated to it registered good performance in the elections. But former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif claimed victory for his Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) party. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan election body sets up committee to probe poll rigging allegations

Days after the general election results Pakistan is still unclear on who will become the next prime minister. Now the polls are marred by allegations of manipulation and rigging. Politicians loyal to jailed former prime minister Imran Khan have announced formation of an alliance with a political group the Sunni Ittehad Council. Watch to know more!

Pakistan Elections 2024: Imran backed PTI join hands with Sunni Ittehad council

Pakistan Elections: PTI forms alliance with Sunni Ittehad council for reserved seats

Just days after general elections were held in Pakistan there is still no clarity on who will form the government. In the latest Pakistan People's Party Chief Bilawal Zardari echoed concerns of election rigging in the polls held earlier. Bhutto claimed that he had proof to show that several candidates of his party the PPP had won polls in their respective constituencies but it was the PML-N candidates who were declared the winners. Watch to know more!

Pakistan's 'rigged' elections: Supreme Court says, 'will not allow court to be used in wrong manner'

<p>Bushra Bibi, the wife of former Pakistan PM Imran Khan, has allegedly fallen sick after consuming ‘poisoned’ food given by jail authorities. Currently, she is locked up in the Adiala jail where she is serving imprisonment in two separate cases. Bushra Bibi's sister, Maryamn Riaz Wattoo, claimed before the media that her life was in danger in jail.</p>

<h2><strong>Allegations against jail authorities</strong></h2>

<p>"My sister's condition is still unwell. She is in pain and has not been able to eat anything for the past six days," Wattoo was quoted as saying by the local media. She added that her sister was given harmful food in the jail, while also demanding an investigation into the matter.</p>

<p>Maryamn Riaz Wattoo said, “We fear that Bushra Bibi is given some harmful food and it is the authorities' responsibility to bring the perpetrators to book.”</p>

<p>The allegations against the jail authorities were also levelled by Mashal Yousafzai, a lawyer and a spokesperson for Bushra Bibi.</p>

<p>Yousafzai said a chemical substance was added to her food which led to the deterioration in health.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Pakistan Elections: PPP &amp; PML-N pick Shehbaz Sharif as PM nominee</strong></p>

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<p>"She has developed blisters in her mouth and throat post consuming that meal and has been very unwell since," said Yousafzai. "She wants to inform the nation about this malicious act and its intended harm," she further said.</p>

<h2><strong>Charges against Bushra Bibi</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier in January, both Khan and Bibi were sentenced to 14 years in jail in an alleged corruption case involving the illegal sale of state gifts that the PTI chief received as the head of the state.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw38xxXM4iRDVtDNeo1f9OT-" data-ved="2ahUKEwjHzqKpsrCEAxXSTWcHHQSTBAYQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/pakistan-elections-2024-army-modifies-methodology-of-selecting-pm-689879" jsname="YKoRaf">Pakistan elections 2024: Army modifies methodology of selecting PM</a></strong></p>

<p>Just two days later, the couple was given an additional seven-year jail term for contracting marriage during the 'Iddat' (period of waiting), which was later declared ‘un-Islamic’ by a court.</p>

<h2><strong>PTI attacks ‘fascist regime’</strong></h2>

<p>Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), in a post on X, accused the "fascist regime" of "maliciously attacking" Imran Khan's wife and denying her necessary medical aid.</p>

<p>"Make no mistake, it will not be long before the people responsible for these heinous acts will be brought to justice. Pakistan stands strong. Imran Khan stands strong," the post further said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Bushra Bibi, the wife of former Pakistan PM Imran Khan, has allegedly fallen sick after consuming ‘poisoned’ food given by jail authorities. Currently, she is locked up in the Adiala jail where she is serving imprisonment in two separate cases.

Bushra Bibi, the wife of former Pakistan PM Imran Khan, has allegedly fallen sick after consuming ‘poisoned’ food given by jail authorities. Currently, she is locked up in the Adiala jail where she is serving imprisonment in two separate cases. Bushra Bibi's sister, Maryamn Riaz Wattoo, claimed before the media that her life was in danger in jail. Allegations against jail authorities "My sister's condition is still unwell. She is in pain and has not been able to eat anything for the past six days," Wattoo was quoted as saying by the local media. She added that her sister was given harmful food in the jail, while also demanding an investigation into the matter. Maryamn Riaz Wattoo said, “We fear that Bushra Bibi is given some harmful food and it is the authorities' responsibility to bring the perpetrators to book.” The allegations against the jail authorities were also levelled by Mashal Yousafzai, a lawyer and a spokesperson for Bushra Bibi. Yousafzai said a chemical substance was added to her food which led to the deterioration in health. Watch: Pakistan Elections: PPP & PML-N pick Shehbaz Sharif as PM nominee × "She has developed blisters in her mouth and throat post consuming that meal and has been very unwell since," said Yousafzai. "She wants to inform the nation about this malicious act and its intended harm," she further said. Charges against Bushra Bibi Earlier in January, both Khan and Bibi were sentenced to 14 years in jail in an alleged corruption case involving the illegal sale of state gifts that the PTI chief received as the head of the state. Also read: Pakistan elections 2024: Army modifies methodology of selecting PM Just two days later, the couple was given an additional seven-year jail term for contracting marriage during the 'Iddat' (period of waiting), which was later declared ‘un-Islamic’ by a court. PTI attacks ‘fascist regime’ Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), in a post on X, accused the "fascist regime" of "maliciously attacking" Imran Khan's wife and denying her necessary medical aid. "Make no mistake, it will not be long before the people responsible for these heinous acts will be brought to justice. Pakistan stands strong. Imran Khan stands strong," the post further said. (With inputs from agencies)

Former Pak PM Imran Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi poisoned in jail, alleges sister

Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan's party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has announced protests across the country on Saturday against what it called widespread rigging in the general elections.

Protests surge across Pakistan amidst claims of vote rigging

Protests surge across Pakistan amidst claims of vote rigging. Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan's party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has announced protests across the country on Saturday against what it called widespread rigging in the general elections. Watch to know more!

Pakistan Elections 2024: Rawalpindi commissioner resigns admits unfair play in polls

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<p>Section 144 has been imposed in Pakistan's capital&nbsp;Islamabad, ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) peaceful protest&nbsp;called on&nbsp;Saturday (Feb 17) over the rigging of the recently concluded general elections. In a post on X, the Islamabad Police said that patrolling has been increased in&nbsp;the Islamabad Capital Territory and checking has been tightened at all checkpoints.</p>

<p>"Citizens should carry necessary identification documents while travelling and cooperate with the police during checking," the police said, adding that there might be heavy traffic towards F-Nine Park, "so citizens should avoid unnecessary travel in this direction."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-elections-2024-to-be-declared-null-and-void-all-eyes-on-supreme-court-for-key-verdict-691082">Pakistan Elections 2024 to be declared null and void? All eyes on Supreme Court for key verdict</a></strong></p>

<p>"Women and children below 18 years of age should avoid going to F Nine Park and F Six between 10 am to 1 pm," the police said in a separate post on X and warned that nobody would be allowed to cause disturbance in Islamabad. "Strict legal action will be taken against the violators," the post added.</p>

<h2><strong>The peaceful protests against poll rigging</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier, former jailed prime minister Imran Khan's PTI announced its decision to sit in the opposition benches in Parliament as well as the Punjab Assembly, and launch a nationwide protest&nbsp;against rigging in the Feb 8 general elections. Speaking to the Dawn, a PTI source said that Khan tasked former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser with engaging political parties to muster support for the protest drive.</p>

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<p dir="rtl" lang="ur">اسلام آباد میں امن عامہ کے قیام اور دفعہ 144 کی عملداری یقینی بنانے اسلام آباد کیپیٹل پولیس کے جوان اور افسران شہر بھر میں اپنے فرائض سر انجام دے رہے ہیں ۔<br />
عوام الناس کو متنبہ کیا جاتا ہے کہ کسی غیر قانونی عمل کا حصہ نہ بنیں۔<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ICTP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ICTP</a> <a href="https://t.co/dzMXcLUy5s">pic.twitter.com/dzMXcLUy5s</a></p>
— Islamabad Police (@ICT_Police) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICT_Police/status/1758758186398433620?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The PTI also issued a white paper against alleged rigging on Friday. The party urged the entire country to take part in the peaceful protests.</p>

<p>The elections did not return a clear majority for anyone but independent candidates backed by Imran Khan won 92 out of 264 seats, making them the largest group.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Protests surge across Pakistan amidst claims of vote rigging</strong></p>

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<p>The current caretaker government and Pakistan's election commission have rejected the allegations of rigging and said the country has laws and systems to investigate specific complaints.</p>

<h2><strong>GDA protests in Sindh</strong></h2>

<p>A day back, leaders and supporters of the Grand Democratic Alliance protested in Sindh, blocking a main highway against the alleged poll rigging. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, GDA leaders and supporters gathered and staged a sit-in at Jamshoro Toll Plaza at the Hyderabad-Jamshoro interchange demanding free and fair results.</p>

<p>The PTI and other political parties have backed the GDA's demonstrations.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Section 144 has been imposed in Pakistan's capital Islamabad, ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) peaceful protest called on Saturday (Feb 17) over the rigging of the recently concluded general elections.

Section 144 has been imposed in Pakistan's capital Islamabad, ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) peaceful protest called on Saturday (Feb 17) over the rigging of the recently concluded general elections. In a post on X, the Islamabad Police said that patrolling has been increased in the Islamabad Capital Territory and checking has been tightened at all checkpoints. "Citizens should carry necessary identification documents while travelling and cooperate with the police during checking," the police said, adding that there might be heavy traffic towards F-Nine Park, "so citizens should avoid unnecessary travel in this direction." Also read | Pakistan Elections 2024 to be declared null and void? All eyes on Supreme Court for key verdict "Women and children below 18 years of age should avoid going to F Nine Park and F Six between 10 am to 1 pm," the police said in a separate post on X and warned that nobody would be allowed to cause disturbance in Islamabad. "Strict legal action will be taken against the violators," the post added. The peaceful protests against poll rigging Earlier, former jailed prime minister Imran Khan's PTI announced its decision to sit in the opposition benches in Parliament as well as the Punjab Assembly, and launch a nationwide protest against rigging in the Feb 8 general elections. Speaking to the Dawn, a PTI source said that Khan tasked former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser with engaging political parties to muster support for the protest drive. اسلام آباد میں امن عامہ کے قیام اور دفعہ 144 کی عملداری یقینی بنانے اسلام آباد کیپیٹل پولیس کے جوان اور افسران شہر بھر میں اپنے فرائض سر انجام دے رہے ہیں ۔ عوام الناس کو متنبہ کیا جاتا ہے کہ کسی غیر قانونی عمل کا حصہ نہ بنیں۔#ICTP pic.twitter.com/dzMXcLUy5s — Islamabad Police (@ICT_Police) February 17, 2024 × The PTI also issued a white paper against alleged rigging on Friday. The party urged the entire country to take part in the peaceful protests. The elections did not return a clear majority for anyone but independent candidates backed by Imran Khan won 92 out of 264 seats, making them the largest group. Also watch | Protests surge across Pakistan amidst claims of vote rigging × The current caretaker government and Pakistan's election commission have rejected the allegations of rigging and said the country has laws and systems to investigate specific complaints. GDA protests in Sindh A day back, leaders and supporters of the Grand Democratic Alliance protested in Sindh, blocking a main highway against the alleged poll rigging. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, GDA leaders and supporters gathered and staged a sit-in at Jamshoro Toll Plaza at the Hyderabad-Jamshoro interchange demanding free and fair results. The PTI and other political parties have backed the GDA's demonstrations. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan: Sec 144 imposed in Islamabad ahead of PTI's call for nationwide protests

JUI-F chief Fazl ur Rehman has rejected the election results and called for nationwide protests against alleged manipulation. Rehman has invited Nawaz Sharif to join the opposition benches amid growing political tensions in Pakistan.

Pakistan: JUI-F party Chief accuses Army Generals for ousting Imran Khan's govt

<p id="firstHeading">The Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) (JUI-F) said on Thursday (Feb 15) that former Pakistan Army chief General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa orchestrated a no-confidence vote against Imran Khan and his government. In an interview with Samaa TV, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that Bajwa and Lt General (retd) Faiz Hameed, the former chief of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), guided all political parties over the no-confidence vote against Khan in April 2022.</p>

<p>"The PPP (Pakistan Peoples Party) was moving the no-confidence motion against the PTI. Gen Bajwa and Faiz Hameed were in touch with us at the time of the no-confidence motion," Rehman said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-election-ppps-asif-ali-zardari-expected-to-become-president-690330">Pakistan elections: PPP's Asif Ali Zardari likely to become president, says report</a></strong></p>

<p>"Gen Bajwa, Faiz Hameed asked all parties to do this (bringing the no-confidence motion)," he added. The JUI-F chief also said that he was not in favour of the move, adding, "Just for my friends, I sacrificed my opinion.”</p>

<p>Rehman claimed that then-ISI chief Hameed came to him, asking to go ahead with the motion. Rehman said he refused the proposal but changed his stance after various other political parties approached him for joint action.</p>

<p>"If I had refused it again, they would say I am saving Imran,” he told Samaa TV.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For the first time in its history, Pakistan saw the ouster of a prime minister (in this case Imran Khan) through a no-confidence vote. Khan had claimed a US-led conspiracy was behind his ouster as PM. He never provided any evidence to back this claim, and Islamabad and Washington denied the charges.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A confession that has vindicated Imran Khan's stance.<br />
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Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who was President of the PDM, has confessed that it was then Chief of Army Staff Qamar Javed Bajwa who asked them to remove Imran Khan in a no confidence motion. "It was General Bajwa who told everyone… <a href="https://t.co/2K9OYdqbqH">pic.twitter.com/2K9OYdqbqH</a></p>
— PTI USA Official (@PTIOfficialUSA) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTIOfficialUSA/status/1758159833402925195?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The JUI-F has termed the Feb 8 general elections as rigged and has refused to support the coalition government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reacting to Rehman's remarks on Thursday, the PTI said that there was a conspiracy to oust Khan. In a post on X, the PTI said on Thursday, "Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who was President of the PDM, has confessed that it was then Chief of Army Staff Qamar Javed Bajwa who asked them to remove Imran Khan in a no-confidence motion."</p>

<p>"The cipher revealed that there was a conspiracy, and it's now clear that the main architect was then Chief of Army Staff Qamar Javed Bajwa," the post added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) (JUI-F) said on Thursday (Feb 15) that former Pakistan Army chief General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa orchestrated a no-confidence vote against Imran Khan and his government.

The Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) (JUI-F) said on Thursday (Feb 15) that former Pakistan Army chief General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa orchestrated a no-confidence vote against Imran Khan and his government. In an interview with Samaa TV, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that Bajwa and Lt General (retd) Faiz Hameed, the former chief of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), guided all political parties over the no-confidence vote against Khan in April 2022. "The PPP (Pakistan Peoples Party) was moving the no-confidence motion against the PTI. Gen Bajwa and Faiz Hameed were in touch with us at the time of the no-confidence motion," Rehman said. Also read | Pakistan elections: PPP's Asif Ali Zardari likely to become president, says report "Gen Bajwa, Faiz Hameed asked all parties to do this (bringing the no-confidence motion)," he added. The JUI-F chief also said that he was not in favour of the move, adding, "Just for my friends, I sacrificed my opinion.” Rehman claimed that then-ISI chief Hameed came to him, asking to go ahead with the motion. Rehman said he refused the proposal but changed his stance after various other political parties approached him for joint action. "If I had refused it again, they would say I am saving Imran,” he told Samaa TV. For the first time in its history, Pakistan saw the ouster of a prime minister (in this case Imran Khan) through a no-confidence vote. Khan had claimed a US-led conspiracy was behind his ouster as PM. He never provided any evidence to back this claim, and Islamabad and Washington denied the charges. A confession that has vindicated Imran Khan's stance. Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who was President of the PDM, has confessed that it was then Chief of Army Staff Qamar Javed Bajwa who asked them to remove Imran Khan in a no confidence motion. "It was General Bajwa who told everyone… pic.twitter.com/2K9OYdqbqH — PTI USA Official (@PTIOfficialUSA) February 15, 2024 × The JUI-F has termed the Feb 8 general elections as rigged and has refused to support the coalition government. Reacting to Rehman's remarks on Thursday, the PTI said that there was a conspiracy to oust Khan. In a post on X, the PTI said on Thursday, "Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who was President of the PDM, has confessed that it was then Chief of Army Staff Qamar Javed Bajwa who asked them to remove Imran Khan in a no-confidence motion." "The cipher revealed that there was a conspiracy, and it's now clear that the main architect was then Chief of Army Staff Qamar Javed Bajwa," the post added. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan: Former army chief Bajwa orchestrated no-confidence vote against Imran, says JUI-F

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari offered the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) support in forming its government at the Centre but in return sought to see his father, Asif Ali Zardari, become president.

Zardari's bid for Pakistan President | Who will form Pakistan's coalition govt?

<p>Artificial intelligence has entered Pakistani electoral politics. Former prime minister Imran Khan claimed victory in the just-concluded election in an audiovisual message that contained his AI-generated voice.</p>

<p>The video posted in the early hours of Saturday (Feb 10) on the official X handle of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief had a watermark saying "4th authorised AI voice of Imran Khan'.<br />
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The PTI chief, currently in jail, appeared to congratulate Pakistani voters and denounce Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) leader Nawaz Sharif's claim of election victory.</p>

<p>The video had past visuals of Khan speaking in front of a camera, but the voice did not always sync with his lip movements.</p>

<p>In the message, Imran Khan's voice&nbsp;tells the voters that the huge turnout on election day has scared those in power and commends the courage of voters despite what he calls the prevalence of 'two years of tyranny'.</p>

<p>Almost immediately after it was posted, the video was seen by tens of thousands of social media users.</p>

<p>Here is the full audio-visual message.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Chairman Imran Khan's victory speech (AI version) after an unprecedented fightback from the nation that resulted in PTI’s landslide victory in General Elections 2024. <a href="https://t.co/Z6GiLwCVCR">pic.twitter.com/Z6GiLwCVCR</a></p>
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1756025235575320995?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>On Friday, loyalists&nbsp;of Imran Khan's PTI party appeared&nbsp;to take lead just when about half of the votes were counted. PTI loyalists' tally surpassed that of PML (N) and Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari's Pakistan People's Party (PPP).</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Pakistan elections 2024: PTI-backed candidates allege tampering of poll results</strong></p>

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<p>However, just hours later, Nawaz Sharif claimed victory and addressed his supporters saying that his party would form government with the help of other major parties such as Pakistan Peoples Party, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) and Karachi-based Muttahida Qaumi Movement (Pakistan).</p>

<p>Authorities in Pakistan have been undertaking a sweeping crackdown against PTI leaders and cadre. Imran Khan's party was barred from contesting elections and removed from the ballot. As a result, PTI candidates contested elections as independents.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-elections-imran-khan-allies-take-lead-at-half-way-point-688680">Pakistan elections: Imran Khan's allies take lead at half-way point of counting</a></strong></p>

<p>In Pakistan, independent candidates need to declare party affiliation within 72 hours of their victory. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"...even if PTI is unable to form a government, the elections show there are limits to political engineering," said Bilal Gilani, executive director of polling group Gallup Pakistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It shows that the military does not always get their way -- that is the silver lining," Gilani was quoted as saying by AFP.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Artificial intelligence has entered Pakistani electoral politics. Former prime minister Imran Khan claimed victory in the just-concluded election in an audiovisual message that contained his AI-generated voice.

Artificial intelligence has entered Pakistani electoral politics. Former prime minister Imran Khan claimed victory in the just-concluded election in an audiovisual message that contained his AI-generated voice. The video posted in the early hours of Saturday (Feb 10) on the official X handle of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief had a watermark saying "4th authorised AI voice of Imran Khan'. The PTI chief, currently in jail, appeared to congratulate Pakistani voters and denounce Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) leader Nawaz Sharif's claim of election victory. The video had past visuals of Khan speaking in front of a camera, but the voice did not always sync with his lip movements. In the message, Imran Khan's voice tells the voters that the huge turnout on election day has scared those in power and commends the courage of voters despite what he calls the prevalence of 'two years of tyranny'. Almost immediately after it was posted, the video was seen by tens of thousands of social media users. Here is the full audio-visual message. Chairman Imran Khan's victory speech (AI version) after an unprecedented fightback from the nation that resulted in PTI’s landslide victory in General Elections 2024. pic.twitter.com/Z6GiLwCVCR — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) February 9, 2024 × On Friday, loyalists of Imran Khan's PTI party appeared to take lead just when about half of the votes were counted. PTI loyalists' tally surpassed that of PML (N) and Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari's Pakistan People's Party (PPP). Watch | Pakistan elections 2024: PTI-backed candidates allege tampering of poll results × However, just hours later, Nawaz Sharif claimed victory and addressed his supporters saying that his party would form government with the help of other major parties such as Pakistan Peoples Party, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) and Karachi-based Muttahida Qaumi Movement (Pakistan). Authorities in Pakistan have been undertaking a sweeping crackdown against PTI leaders and cadre. Imran Khan's party was barred from contesting elections and removed from the ballot. As a result, PTI candidates contested elections as independents. Also Read | Pakistan elections: Imran Khan's allies take lead at half-way point of counting In Pakistan, independent candidates need to declare party affiliation within 72 hours of their victory. "...even if PTI is unable to form a government, the elections show there are limits to political engineering," said Bilal Gilani, executive director of polling group Gallup Pakistan. "It shows that the military does not always get their way -- that is the silver lining," Gilani was quoted as saying by AFP. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan election: Imran Khan claims victory through AI-generated message on X

Pakistan's two largest political parties are currently wrangling over who will be Prime Minister after election last week forced them to join forces. Nawaz Sharif's PML-N and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's PPP are trying to form a coalition government. According to sources to Wion, PML-N is ready to offer PM position to PPP.

Gravitas | Pak Polls: Nawaz Sharif's PML-N offers PM position to Bilawal's PPP | Sources

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<p>The results of all 265 seats in the general elections in Pakistan were released on Sunday (Feb 11). Of the total 265 seats counted, independent candidates won 101 seats, followed by Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N) which won 75 seats, and Bilwal Bhutto's Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) won 54 seats. The results of the NA 88 constituency have been withheld.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The nation of 241 million people voted on Thursday, but the results were delayed.</p>

<p>A <strong><a href="file:///C:/Users/Harshit%20Sabarwal/Downloads/FAFEN-Preliminary-Report-on-Observation-of-GE-2024-1.pdf">report has suggested</a></strong> that transparency was largely maintained at polling stations in the country but was compromised at the offices of the Returning Officers (ROs).</p>

<h2><strong>The report's findings</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The report by the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN),&nbsp;published on Saturday, said the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) established an efficient mechanism for the accreditation of observers, which ensured the timely delivery of accreditation cards to FAFEN observers when they completed their training.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-elections-results-independents-win-most-seats-in-final-tally-689135">Pakistan election results: Independents win most seats in final tally</a></strong></p>

<p>"The importance of election observation was also consistently reinforced in all ECP training materials for election officials as well as the ECP code of conduct for security officials, a topic that was weak in training for earlier general elections," the report said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"As a result, FAFEN faced fewer restrictions to its observation of voting and counting process at polling stations," it added.</p>

<p>However, FAFEN pointed out that 53 of its observers were stopped from observing the voting process by either the polling staff or security officials at 76 polling stations in Okara, Dadu, Sujawal, Peshawar, Islamabad, Shirani, Multan, Quetta, Lahore, Shangla, Khairpur, Kech and Manshera.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The Form-45 (Result of the Count) was not affixed at a conspicuous place outside almost one-third (29.4 per cent) of the observed polling stations, a measure that is necessary to ensure electoral transparency at the first critical stage of the result management process," it said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Who will be Pakistan's next prime minister? Imran-backed independents take lead</strong></p>

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<p>The FAFN further said that of the 244 National Assembly (NA) constituencies, the ROs in only about half (114 or 46.7 per cent) allowed its observers to witness the result tabulation proceedings.</p>

<h2><strong>Election day remained largely peaceful</strong></h2>

<p>The report also said that the election day on Thursday remained largely peaceful orderly and organised amid heightened security measures by law enforcement agencies across Pakistan.</p>

<p>"A total of 139 minor incidents of squabbles and brawls were reported by FAFEN observers, in addition to 122 similar incidents reported by media," the report said.</p>

<p>The report also talked about militant attacks on election day that killed 28 people.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When it comes to the administration of election procedures, there were sporadic incidents of irregularities, but the voting process on election day generally was smooth and orderly, the report said.&nbsp;</p>


The results of all 265 seats in the general elections in Pakistan were released on Sunday (Feb 11). Of the total 265 seats counted, independent candidates won 101 seats, followed by Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N) which won 75 seats, and Bilwal Bhutto's Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) won 54 seats.

The results of all 265 seats in the general elections in Pakistan were released on Sunday (Feb 11). Of the total 265 seats counted, independent candidates won 101 seats, followed by Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N) which won 75 seats, and Bilwal Bhutto's Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) won 54 seats. The results of the NA 88 constituency have been withheld. The nation of 241 million people voted on Thursday, but the results were delayed. A report has suggested that transparency was largely maintained at polling stations in the country but was compromised at the offices of the Returning Officers (ROs). The report's findings The report by the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN), published on Saturday, said the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) established an efficient mechanism for the accreditation of observers, which ensured the timely delivery of accreditation cards to FAFEN observers when they completed their training. Also read | Pakistan election results: Independents win most seats in final tally "The importance of election observation was also consistently reinforced in all ECP training materials for election officials as well as the ECP code of conduct for security officials, a topic that was weak in training for earlier general elections," the report said. "As a result, FAFEN faced fewer restrictions to its observation of voting and counting process at polling stations," it added. However, FAFEN pointed out that 53 of its observers were stopped from observing the voting process by either the polling staff or security officials at 76 polling stations in Okara, Dadu, Sujawal, Peshawar, Islamabad, Shirani, Multan, Quetta, Lahore, Shangla, Khairpur, Kech and Manshera. "The Form-45 (Result of the Count) was not affixed at a conspicuous place outside almost one-third (29.4 per cent) of the observed polling stations, a measure that is necessary to ensure electoral transparency at the first critical stage of the result management process," it said. Also watch | Who will be Pakistan's next prime minister? Imran-backed independents take lead × The FAFN further said that of the 244 National Assembly (NA) constituencies, the ROs in only about half (114 or 46.7 per cent) allowed its observers to witness the result tabulation proceedings. Election day remained largely peaceful The report also said that the election day on Thursday remained largely peaceful orderly and organised amid heightened security measures by law enforcement agencies across Pakistan. "A total of 139 minor incidents of squabbles and brawls were reported by FAFEN observers, in addition to 122 similar incidents reported by media," the report said. The report also talked about militant attacks on election day that killed 28 people. When it comes to the administration of election procedures, there were sporadic incidents of irregularities, but the voting process on election day generally was smooth and orderly, the report said.

Pakistan elections: Report says transparency was largely maintained at polling stations

<p>In the aftermath of the Feb 8 National Elections of Pakistan, supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan took to the streets in key cities and alleged election manipulation. Despite candidates backed by Khan's Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) winning the most seats, talks between rival parties – including the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and Pakistan Peoples Party – raised tensions and stoked protests by PTI supporters.</p>

<h2><strong>Pakistan Elections 2024: PTI-backed candidates move court over results</strong></h2>

<p>Besides, the courts in Pakistan have been flooded with petitions as the PTI-backed candidates challenged the results of Thursday's general elections and alleged&nbsp;rigging. Most of the petitions were filed in the Lahore High Court (LHC), while two PTI-backed candidates moved the Islamabad High Court (IHC) against the results, and at least three petitions were filed in the Sindh High Court (SHC).&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Pakistan Elections 2024: Where all PTI-led protests took place?</strong></h2>

<p>Protests organised by Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party unfolded in Islamabad, Lahore, and Peshawar. PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan on Saturday (Feb 10) urged peaceful demonstrations while calling on the Election Commission of Pakistan to ensure a speedy and conclusive end to the vote counting.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The election results revealed that Imran Khan-backed candidates, running as independents, secured the most seats but fell short of a majority.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-elections-results-independents-win-most-seats-in-final-tally-689135">Pakistan election results: Independents win most seats in final tally</a></strong></p>

<p>Analysts suggest the military, which has clashed with Khan, is supporting a government formed by rival parties. Despite initial talks between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and Pakistan Peoples Party failing, a working pact is being reportedly forged with a secular-based party, Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan.</p>

<h2><strong>What does PTI-backed candidates' showing mean?</strong></h2>

<p>Independents' strong performance underscores Khan's enduring popularity, particularly among young voters and the middle-class population that has been gripped by economic challenges.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Pakistan Elections: Independent candidates linked with Imran's PTI to choose party within 72 hours</strong></p>

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<p>The army, through Army Chief Asim Munir, called for unity as well as "political maturity" among parties. The military has directly ruled the country for decades, but on record, has asserted its purported intention to refrain from political involvement. But Khan in the past has accused generals of conspiring against him, a claim the military constantly denies.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Karachi: Imran supporters take to the streets, allege poll rigging | Pakistan Elections 2024</strong></p>

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<p>Amid competing claims of victory by both Khan and Nawaz Sharif, the son of assassinated leader Benazir Bhutto, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, asserted his party's role as a potential kingmaker. The coalition dynamics also hinge on the loyalty of independent candidates, with Khan, currently in prison, unlikely to participate directly in politics due to numerous charges he claims are politically motivated.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In the aftermath of the Feb 8 National Elections of Pakistan, supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan took to the streets in key cities and alleged election manipulation.

In the aftermath of the Feb 8 National Elections of Pakistan, supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan took to the streets in key cities and alleged election manipulation. Despite candidates backed by Khan's Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) winning the most seats, talks between rival parties – including the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and Pakistan Peoples Party – raised tensions and stoked protests by PTI supporters. Pakistan Elections 2024: PTI-backed candidates move court over results Besides, the courts in Pakistan have been flooded with petitions as the PTI-backed candidates challenged the results of Thursday's general elections and alleged rigging. Most of the petitions were filed in the Lahore High Court (LHC), while two PTI-backed candidates moved the Islamabad High Court (IHC) against the results, and at least three petitions were filed in the Sindh High Court (SHC). Pakistan Elections 2024: Where all PTI-led protests took place? Protests organised by Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party unfolded in Islamabad, Lahore, and Peshawar. PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan on Saturday (Feb 10) urged peaceful demonstrations while calling on the Election Commission of Pakistan to ensure a speedy and conclusive end to the vote counting. The election results revealed that Imran Khan-backed candidates, running as independents, secured the most seats but fell short of a majority. Also read | Pakistan election results: Independents win most seats in final tally Analysts suggest the military, which has clashed with Khan, is supporting a government formed by rival parties. Despite initial talks between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and Pakistan Peoples Party failing, a working pact is being reportedly forged with a secular-based party, Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan. What does PTI-backed candidates' showing mean? Independents' strong performance underscores Khan's enduring popularity, particularly among young voters and the middle-class population that has been gripped by economic challenges. Also watch | Pakistan Elections: Independent candidates linked with Imran's PTI to choose party within 72 hours × The army, through Army Chief Asim Munir, called for unity as well as "political maturity" among parties. The military has directly ruled the country for decades, but on record, has asserted its purported intention to refrain from political involvement. But Khan in the past has accused generals of conspiring against him, a claim the military constantly denies. Also watch | Karachi: Imran supporters take to the streets, allege poll rigging | Pakistan Elections 2024 × Amid competing claims of victory by both Khan and Nawaz Sharif, the son of assassinated leader Benazir Bhutto, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, asserted his party's role as a potential kingmaker. The coalition dynamics also hinge on the loyalty of independent candidates, with Khan, currently in prison, unlikely to participate directly in politics due to numerous charges he claims are politically motivated. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan Elections 2024: Imran Khan’s supporters take to streets after controversial poll results

Who will be Pakistan's next prime minister, today is yet another day when this question remains unanswered. No political party has secured a clear majority in the February 8th election but both Imran Khan and Nawaz Sharif have claimed Victory. Meanwhile, PTI party of ex-PM Imran Khan protest outside Sindh Election Commission office in Karachi over delay in Pakistan's election results and alleged rigging. Watch to know more!

Pakistan Elections 2024: Imran Khan supporters take to the streets, allege poll rigging

Latest in Pakistan Elections: The counting of votes that is unfolded and also the many permutations and combinations that have been thrown off, now a pertinent question remains to be answered and that is who will now become the next prime minister of Pakistan? Counting of votes is still underway...Watch to know more!

Pakistan elections 2024: Both Imran Khan & Nawaz Sharif claim victory

Karachi: Imran supporters take to the streets, allege poll rigging | Pakistan Elections 2024

After a long wait of over three days, Pakistan's Election Commission has declared the results of 265 constituencies that went to polls. The independent candidates linked to Imran Khan's PTI are sitting at 101 seat victory.

Pakistan Elections: Independent candidates linked with Imran's PTI to choose party within 72 hours

Pakistan elections: Long wait of three days come to an end, results declared

Who will be Pakistan's next Prime Minister? Imran-backed independents take lead

<p><strong>Pakistan Elections 2024:</strong> Remember the dawn of July 21, 1988? That day, an announcement came from Rawalpindi-based Pakistan Army General Headquarters (GHQ).</p>

<p>General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, who had captured power in a coup after ousting Benazir Bhutto's father Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto from premiership in 1977, declared that the scheduled elections in the country would be held on party-less basis. Zia's logic? Party-based elections were "against the spirit of Islam".</p>

<p>July 21, 1988 was exactly two months before Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, the present-day chief of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) was prematurely born to the future prime minister Benazir Bhutto and Asif Ali Zardari, who went on to become president in 2008 months after his wife's assassination.<img alt="Zia Ul Haq" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c2105790-d2b9-4081-aba2-4a66a6fe6563" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Zia%20%281%29.png" />&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto rests inside the presidential car with husband Asif Ali Zardari cuddling their baby son Bilawal, age 1 on 17 October 1989 | AFP</em></p>

<p>Zia's order on that day meant the candidates in 1988 elections were decreed to contest as independents.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Déjà vu in 2024?</strong></h2>

<p>Yes, the 1988 decree is much like the one being suffered by the candidates backed by ousted Prime Minister Imran Khan's party Pakistan-Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). They contested the elections on Feburary 8 without PTI's election symbol: the cricket bat.&nbsp;<img alt="PTI Bat" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="48f08219-1639-40df-a4ed-744ded3336e2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/PTI_Bat.png" /></p>

<p><em>Supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) hold a giant cricket bat with the colours and initials of the party&nbsp; on July 20, 2018 | AFP</em></p>

<p>The only difference is that in 1988&nbsp;— Zia's ninth year in power&nbsp;— the Islamist dictator&nbsp;did not spare any political party at the time; he wanted all of them out of the election race, not just one.&nbsp;<img alt="Pakistani dictator Muhammad Zia-Ul-Haq addresses the nation, on June 15, 1988 | AFP" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3a850d0d-60aa-4535-89a0-2427b9a95753" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Zia.png" /></p>

<p><em>Pakistani dictator Muhammad Zia-Ul-Haq addresses the nation, on June 15, 1988 | AFP</em></p>

<p>But Zia didn't live to see what happened next.</p>

<p>The move was challenged in the Supreme Court. Before Supreme Court's decision on the party-less elections, Zia was killed in a mysterious plane crash along with 30 others on August 17, 1988.</p>

<p>This included the chairman of Pakistan's joint chiefs of staff, the Chief of the General Staff Lieutenant General Mian Afzaal, eight senior officers of the Pakistan Armed Forces, the US ambassador to Pakistan Arnold Raphel and his wife.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With that ill-fated C-130 aircraft, the nucleus of power in Pakistan also nosedived.</p>

<p>An unexpected wave of celebrations gripped India's western neighbour after Zia's death. Relieved that their country's dictator was gone, "the sweet shops were sold out in Lahore. In Karachi, the pan shops were giving away the betel nut for free. 'Zia is dead! Zia is dead!', screamed newspaper hawkers", wrote Benazir Bhutto in her autobiography <em>Daughter of the East</em>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On October 5, 1988, a 12-judge bench of Pakistani Supreme Court ruled that all political parties were eligible to contest the elections and that political symbols would be allocated in the polling places to parties rather than to individuals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The caretaker administration accepted the court's decision. What else could Zia's men do with the whole world watching? Spontaneous demonstrations of joy broke out all over the country," Benazir added further in her autobiography's chapter titled 'The People Prevail'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In December 1988, Benazir took oath as Pakistan's prime minister following one of the country's least disputed national elections till date.<img alt="Benazir Bhutto | AFP" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e088e106-8f51-44bf-89ca-ce25d2a95a96" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/BenazirBhutto.png" /></p>

<p><em>Pakistan People's Party (PPP) leader Benazir Bhutto (R) takes oath as Prime Minister of Pakistan near President Ghulam Ishaq Khan at the parliament building in Islamabad, 02 December 1988. Benazir Bhutto became the first ever woman to lead a post-colonial Muslim state | AFP</em></p>

<p>Unlike 2024, Pakistani judiciary emerged as the ultimate arbiter and denied the establishment a party-less election.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Pakistan elections: Judiciary as ultimate arbiter</strong></h2>

<p>Let's now cut to recent times.</p>

<p>Following his April 2022 ouster in a no-trust vote, Khan repeatedly petitioned the Supreme Court, then led by Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial on a series of election-related disputes over suspension of legislatures in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa amid his demand for snap polls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His May 9, 2023 arrest on corruption charges triggered a nationwide protest by PTI supporters, including at GHQ in Rawalpindi, the real power behind the semblance of democracy in Islamabad.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/to-coup-or-not-coup-pakistan-armys-options-after-imran-khans-mini-intifada-592986">To coup or not coup: Pakistan Army’s options after Imran Khan’s 'mini-intifada'</a></strong></p>

<p>It was Chief Justice Bandial's Supreme Court bench that ordered Khan's release after the May 9 rampage.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The chief justices in the past have been browbeaten by the army and made to act in their favour. But this one so far has not done so. He would have known that the army was behind Imran Khan's arrest and despite that he ordered his release. He's a bold guy," Sharat Sabharwal, India's former ambassador to Pakistan told WION on May 15, 2023.</p>

<p>Amid all this, the then PML-N-led government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who came to power after Khan's April 2022 ouster, "remained well aware of its sinking popularity," International Crisis Group <a href="https://www.crisisgroup.org/asia/south-asia/pakistan/pakistan/b178-inching-toward-contested-elections">noted</a> in its report ahead of Pakistan Elections, published on February 6.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The PML-N "hoped that its leader, Nawaz Sharif, who was in self-imposed exile in London, would be able to return to Pakistan before the polls, and that his popularity would revive its electoral prospects," it noted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report said that the main hurdle, "in the eyes of the PML-N", was the Bandial-led Supreme Court, since Nawaz’s ability to contest the elections depended on the judiciary upholding his appeals of convictions in two corruption cases.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But Judge Bandial retired on September 16, 2023.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nawaz Sharif returned to Pakistan a month later after a four-year exile.</p>

<p>And the court lifted the ban against him from holding office.</p>

<p>Pakistan's Supreme Court on Jan 13 rejected Imran Khan's plea to retain its traditional electoral symbol of a cricket bat, in the final setback to the incarcerated leader.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Pakistan Election Result 2024: Independents backed by Imran Khan party take the lead in Pak polls</strong></p>

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<p>But now, history is repeating for the military-intelligence establishment and entrenched political parties.</p>

<p>At half-way point of election results, Imran Khan-backed candidates, who contested without the party symbol as independents, are leading. At the time of filing this report, it's clear one of the several scenarios are possible: PTI may emerge victorious but still won't be able to form government, as its MPs are now 'independent'; PPP and PML-N might come together to form a coalition government that might not have people's confidence; independent MPs might become the kingmakers, or form a government with support from other smaller parties.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The military-intelligence establishment is expected to&nbsp;meddle again, like it did so many times in the past.</p>

<p>But the people of Pakistan have spoken. It's up to the politicians to respect it, or not.</p>


Pakistan Elections 2024: Remember the dawn of July 21, 1988? That day, an announcement came from Rawalpindi-based Pakistan Army General Headquarters (GHQ). General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, who had captured power in a coup after ousting Benazir Bhutto's father Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto from premiership in 1977, declared that the scheduled elections in the country would be held on party-less basis.

Pakistan Elections 2024: Remember the dawn of July 21, 1988? That day, an announcement came from Rawalpindi-based Pakistan Army General Headquarters (GHQ). General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, who had captured power in a coup after ousting Benazir Bhutto's father Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto from premiership in 1977, declared that the scheduled elections in the country would be held on party-less basis. Zia's logic? Party-based elections were "against the spirit of Islam". July 21, 1988 was exactly two months before Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, the present-day chief of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) was prematurely born to the future prime minister Benazir Bhutto and Asif Ali Zardari, who went on to become president in 2008 months after his wife's assassination. Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto rests inside the presidential car with husband Asif Ali Zardari cuddling their baby son Bilawal, age 1 on 17 October 1989 | AFP Zia's order on that day meant the candidates in 1988 elections were decreed to contest as independents. Déjà vu in 2024? Yes, the 1988 decree is much like the one being suffered by the candidates backed by ousted Prime Minister Imran Khan's party Pakistan-Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). They contested the elections on Feburary 8 without PTI's election symbol: the cricket bat. Supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) hold a giant cricket bat with the colours and initials of the party on July 20, 2018 | AFP The only difference is that in 1988 — Zia's ninth year in power — the Islamist dictator did not spare any political party at the time; he wanted all of them out of the election race, not just one. Pakistani dictator Muhammad Zia-Ul-Haq addresses the nation, on June 15, 1988 | AFP But Zia didn't live to see what happened next. The move was challenged in the Supreme Court. Before Supreme Court's decision on the party-less elections, Zia was killed in a mysterious plane crash along with 30 others on August 17, 1988. This included the chairman of Pakistan's joint chiefs of staff, the Chief of the General Staff Lieutenant General Mian Afzaal, eight senior officers of the Pakistan Armed Forces, the US ambassador to Pakistan Arnold Raphel and his wife. With that ill-fated C-130 aircraft, the nucleus of power in Pakistan also nosedived. An unexpected wave of celebrations gripped India's western neighbour after Zia's death. Relieved that their country's dictator was gone, "the sweet shops were sold out in Lahore. In Karachi, the pan shops were giving away the betel nut for free. 'Zia is dead! Zia is dead!', screamed newspaper hawkers", wrote Benazir Bhutto in her autobiography Daughter of the East. On October 5, 1988, a 12-judge bench of Pakistani Supreme Court ruled that all political parties were eligible to contest the elections and that political symbols would be allocated in the polling places to parties rather than to individuals. "The caretaker administration accepted the court's decision. What else could Zia's men do with the whole world watching? Spontaneous demonstrations of joy broke out all over the country," Benazir added further in her autobiography's chapter titled 'The People Prevail'. In December 1988, Benazir took oath as Pakistan's prime minister following one of the country's least disputed national elections till date. Pakistan People's Party (PPP) leader Benazir Bhutto (R) takes oath as Prime Minister of Pakistan near President Ghulam Ishaq Khan at the parliament building in Islamabad, 02 December 1988. Benazir Bhutto became the first ever woman to lead a post-colonial Muslim state | AFP Unlike 2024, Pakistani judiciary emerged as the ultimate arbiter and denied the establishment a party-less election. Pakistan elections: Judiciary as ultimate arbiter Let's now cut to recent times. Following his April 2022 ouster in a no-trust vote, Khan repeatedly petitioned the Supreme Court, then led by Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial on a series of election-related disputes over suspension of legislatures in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa amid his demand for snap polls. His May 9, 2023 arrest on corruption charges triggered a nationwide protest by PTI supporters, including at GHQ in Rawalpindi, the real power behind the semblance of democracy in Islamabad. Also read | To coup or not coup: Pakistan Army’s options after Imran Khan’s 'mini-intifada' It was Chief Justice Bandial's Supreme Court bench that ordered Khan's release after the May 9 rampage. "The chief justices in the past have been browbeaten by the army and made to act in their favour. But this one so far has not done so. He would have known that the army was behind Imran Khan's arrest and despite that he ordered his release. He's a bold guy," Sharat Sabharwal, India's former ambassador to Pakistan told WION on May 15, 2023. Amid all this, the then PML-N-led government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who came to power after Khan's April 2022 ouster, "remained well aware of its sinking popularity," International Crisis Group noted in its report ahead of Pakistan Elections, published on February 6. The PML-N "hoped that its leader, Nawaz Sharif, who was in self-imposed exile in London, would be able to return to Pakistan before the polls, and that his popularity would revive its electoral prospects," it noted. The report said that the main hurdle, "in the eyes of the PML-N", was the Bandial-led Supreme Court, since Nawaz’s ability to contest the elections depended on the judiciary upholding his appeals of convictions in two corruption cases. But Judge Bandial retired on September 16, 2023. Nawaz Sharif returned to Pakistan a month later after a four-year exile. And the court lifted the ban against him from holding office. Pakistan's Supreme Court on Jan 13 rejected Imran Khan's plea to retain its traditional electoral symbol of a cricket bat, in the final setback to the incarcerated leader. Also watch | Pakistan Election Result 2024: Independents backed by Imran Khan party take the lead in Pak polls × But now, history is repeating for the military-intelligence establishment and entrenched political parties. At half-way point of election results, Imran Khan-backed candidates, who contested without the party symbol as independents, are leading. At the time of filing this report, it's clear one of the several scenarios are possible: PTI may emerge victorious but still won't be able to form government, as its MPs are now 'independent'; PPP and PML-N might come together to form a coalition government that might not have people's confidence; independent MPs might become the kingmakers, or form a government with support from other smaller parties. The military-intelligence establishment is expected to meddle again, like it did so many times in the past. But the people of Pakistan have spoken. It's up to the politicians to respect it, or not.

Cast From The Past: How Pakistan's bat-less election in 2024 followed Zia-ul-Haq's dictatorship script

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