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

Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday claimed that his party PML-N has emerged as the single largest party in the national elections. Nawaz Sharif has said that he is reaching out to PPP's Asif Ali Zardari, JUI-F’s Fazlur Rehman and MQM-P’s Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui for the formation of a coalition government.

Pakistan Election Result 2024: Nawaz Sharif plans coalition govt; reaches out to PPP, JUI-F & MQM-P

Pakistan Election Result 2024: Nawaz Sharif claims PML-N emerges as single largest party

Pakistan Election Result 2024: Nawaz Sharif urges rival parties to join hands & form coalition govt

<p>Former Pakistani Prime Minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz's (PML-N) leader Nawaz Sharif on Friday (Feb 9) announced that he intends to form a united 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) after no party managed to achieve an absolute majority in Islamabad's National Assembly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The three-time former prime minister said that he has directed his&nbsp;younger sibling Shehbaz to reach out to the PPP’s Asif Ali Zardari, JUI-F’s Fazlur Rehman and MQM-P’s Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui for the formation of a coalition government.</p>

<p>"Shehbaz Sharif and Ishaq Dar will hold meetings today," he said. He also extended a potential olive branch of peace to Pakistan's neighbours&nbsp;— without naming any of them&nbsp;—&nbsp;and said that he wants good ties with all of Pakistan's neighbours.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Pakistan Election Result 2024: All parties to sit together and form a government, says Nawaz Sharif</strong></p>

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<p>At the time of filing this report,&nbsp;of the 224 National Assembly results announced, the Independent candidates are leading with 92 seats, followed by 63 seats of PMLN, 50 seats of PPP, 11 for MQM, 2 for IPP, 2 for JUI, 3 for PMLQ, while 1 seat PNAP.</p>

<p>Results of 41 seats are awaited.</p>

<p>Sharif then hinted at the formation of a 'unity government', and invited the independent candidates to 'unite for the good of nation'.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/cast-from-the-past-how-pakistans-bat-less-election-in-2024-followed-zia-ul-haqs-dictatorship-script-688707">Cast From The Past: How Pakistan's bat-less election in 2024 followed Zia-ul-Haq's dictatorship script</a></strong></p>

<p>He asserted that it is the collective responsibility of all parties to join forces and navigate Pakistan out of its current crisis. "Not just my or Ishaq Dar's responsibility... It is everyone's Pakistan. If we all work together, only then will Pakistan get out of this crisis," he emphasised.</p>

<p>Expressing the need for a stable Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif stated, "Pakistan needed at least 10 years of stability. Those who are in the mood for confrontation, I want to tell them we don't want any fight... Pakistan cannot afford it. We all must sit together and sort issues out and take Pakistan to the 21st century, but due to our mistake, we could not do that earlier."</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Pakistan Election Result 2024: Nawaz Sharif seeks reaching out to PPP, JUI-F, MQM-P for coalition</strong></p>

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<p>Notably, Imran Khan was disqualified from contesting the elections due to criminal convictions. The electoral symbol of the PTI was also taken away by the ECP in a ruling later backed by the Pakistan apex court. As a result, the PTI leaders and supporters contested as independent candidates, Pakistan's Dawn newspaper reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Former Pakistani Prime Minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz's (PML-N) leader Nawaz Sharif on Friday (Feb 9) announced that he intends to form a united 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) after no party managed to achieve an absolute majority in Islamabad's National Assembly.

Former Pakistani Prime Minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz's (PML-N) leader Nawaz Sharif on Friday (Feb 9) announced that he intends to form a united 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) after no party managed to achieve an absolute majority in Islamabad's National Assembly. The three-time former prime minister said that he has directed his younger sibling Shehbaz to reach out to the PPP’s Asif Ali Zardari, JUI-F’s Fazlur Rehman and MQM-P’s Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui for the formation of a coalition government. "Shehbaz Sharif and Ishaq Dar will hold meetings today," he said. He also extended a potential olive branch of peace to Pakistan's neighbours — without naming any of them — and said that he wants good ties with all of Pakistan's neighbours. Also watch | Pakistan Election Result 2024: All parties to sit together and form a government, says Nawaz Sharif × At the time of filing this report, of the 224 National Assembly results announced, the Independent candidates are leading with 92 seats, followed by 63 seats of PMLN, 50 seats of PPP, 11 for MQM, 2 for IPP, 2 for JUI, 3 for PMLQ, while 1 seat PNAP. Results of 41 seats are awaited. Sharif then hinted at the formation of a 'unity government', and invited the independent candidates to 'unite for the good of nation'. Also read | Cast From The Past: How Pakistan's bat-less election in 2024 followed Zia-ul-Haq's dictatorship script He asserted that it is the collective responsibility of all parties to join forces and navigate Pakistan out of its current crisis. "Not just my or Ishaq Dar's responsibility... It is everyone's Pakistan. If we all work together, only then will Pakistan get out of this crisis," he emphasised. Expressing the need for a stable Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif stated, "Pakistan needed at least 10 years of stability. Those who are in the mood for confrontation, I want to tell them we don't want any fight... Pakistan cannot afford it. We all must sit together and sort issues out and take Pakistan to the 21st century, but due to our mistake, we could not do that earlier." Also watch | Pakistan Election Result 2024: Nawaz Sharif seeks reaching out to PPP, JUI-F, MQM-P for coalition × Notably, Imran Khan was disqualified from contesting the elections due to criminal convictions. The electoral symbol of the PTI was also taken away by the ECP in a ruling later backed by the Pakistan apex court. As a result, the PTI leaders and supporters contested as independent candidates, Pakistan's Dawn newspaper reported. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan Elections 2024: Nawaz Sharif calls upon 'all parties' to 'sit down' for coalition

Former Pakistan Prime Minister and PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif on Friday (February 9) claimed victory even though the counting of votes for the February 8 general elections continues. He claimed that PML-N has emerged as the largest party in the country. Nawaz Sharif said that his party is reaching out to the PPP’s Asif Ali Zardari, JUI-F’s Fazlur Rehman and MQM-P’s Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui for the formation of a coalition government.

Pakistan Election Result 2024: Nawaz Sharif reaching out to PPP, MQM-P, JUI-F for 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

Counting of votes began in Pakistan after the polling, marred by violence and terror attacks, ended on Thursday evening. According to Interior Ministry, the internet services have been partially restored in parts of the country. Amid the unrest and violence in many constituencies, the government had suspended mobile and internet services across the nation.

Pakistan elections vote count: Nine killed across Pakistan in separate attack on voting day

Pakistan Election Result 2024: Reaching out to PPP, MQM-P & JUI-F to form coalition govt, says Nawaz

Pakistan Election Result 2024: All parties to sit together and form a government, says Nawaz Sharif

Pakistan Election Result 2024: Nawaz Sharif seeks reaching out to PPP, JUI-F, MQM-P for coalition

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

Pakistan elections 2024: Delay in results prompt rigging speculations

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

Pakistan Election Result 2024: PTI-backed-independent candidates take the lead in Pak polls

Pakistan Election Result 2024: Imran Khan-backed independent candidates gain ground

Pakistan Election Result 2024: Independents backed by Imran Khan party take the lead in Pak polls

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: Former PM Nawaz Sharif wins from Lahore

Pakistan elections 2024: PTI-backed candidates allege tampering of poll results

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

Pakistan Elections 2024: Votes counting underway, internet services partially restored

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?

<p>Pakistan on Thursday (Feb 8) suspended entire country's mobile phone service on election day, citing the "recent surge in terrorist activities". The move has been widely slammed as "beginning of rigging" of the elections with both Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan People's Party (PPP) leaders coming out to slam the suspension of mobile internet services.</p>

<p>Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) blasted the suspension of mobile phone services, including the Internet, and urged people to remove personal WiFi passwords so that people can access the Internet amid ongoing polling.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Pakistanis, the illegitimate, fascist regime has blocked cell phone services across Pakistan on polling day," former Prime Minister Imran Khan's party wrote on X.</p>

<p>"You are all requested to counter this cowardly act by removing passwords from your personal WiFi accounts, so anyone in the vicinity can have access to internet on this extremely important day," it urged the people.</p>

<p>While sharing a news piece from&nbsp;<em>Dawn&nbsp;</em>newspaper&nbsp;related to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority's pre-poll assurance that there are no orders to block the internet, the PTI said that the&nbsp;"flip-flop on internet services during election day is an infuriating betrayal."</p>

<p>"Shutting down phone service is a deliberate suppression of citizens' rights and a mockery of democracy," it added.</p>

<p>Not just PTI but the Pakistan People's Party, which also constituted the People's Democratic Movement (PDM) that succeeded Imran Khan's ousted administration in April 2022, also slammed the suspension of mobile phone services.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Pakistan Elections 2024: Imran Khan casts his vote from Adiala jail, wife Bushra misses out</strong></p>

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<p>Former PPP senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar described shutting down of mobile services as the "beginning of rigging" on election day.</p>

<h2><strong>What does suspension of mobile services mean for voting?</strong></h2>

<p>The move violates multiple high court rulings since 2018. Security concerns were greater in 2018 and 2013 but no such move was made back then.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It’s clear, based on the steps they took as soon as the polls opened, that the powers that be remain concerned about the PTI’s possible electoral impact. Especially its turnout potential. The party has been badly weakened and hollowed out, and yet it still has them worried," Michael Kugelman,&nbsp;South Asia Institute Director of The Wilson Centre wrote on X.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-elections-2024-will-imran-khan-bowl-out-army-from-prison-687168">Pakistan Elections 2024: Will Imran Khan bowl out army from prison?</a></strong></p>

<p>Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is widely expected to win the elections as the entire electioneering appears to be engineered to favour his return to power.&nbsp;</p>


Pakistan on Thursday (Feb 8) suspended entire country's mobile phone service on election day, citing the "recent surge in terrorist activities". The move has been widely slammed as "beginning of rigging" of the elections with both Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan People's Party (PPP) leaders coming out to slam the suspension of mobile internet services.

Pakistan on Thursday (Feb 8) suspended entire country's mobile phone service on election day, citing the "recent surge in terrorist activities". The move has been widely slammed as "beginning of rigging" of the elections with both Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan People's Party (PPP) leaders coming out to slam the suspension of mobile internet services. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) blasted the suspension of mobile phone services, including the Internet, and urged people to remove personal WiFi passwords so that people can access the Internet amid ongoing polling. "Pakistanis, the illegitimate, fascist regime has blocked cell phone services across Pakistan on polling day," former Prime Minister Imran Khan's party wrote on X. "You are all requested to counter this cowardly act by removing passwords from your personal WiFi accounts, so anyone in the vicinity can have access to internet on this extremely important day," it urged the people. While sharing a news piece from Dawn newspaper related to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority's pre-poll assurance that there are no orders to block the internet, the PTI said that the "flip-flop on internet services during election day is an infuriating betrayal." "Shutting down phone service is a deliberate suppression of citizens' rights and a mockery of democracy," it added. Not just PTI but the Pakistan People's Party, which also constituted the People's Democratic Movement (PDM) that succeeded Imran Khan's ousted administration in April 2022, also slammed the suspension of mobile phone services. Also watch | Pakistan Elections 2024: Imran Khan casts his vote from Adiala jail, wife Bushra misses out × Former PPP senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar described shutting down of mobile services as the "beginning of rigging" on election day. What does suspension of mobile services mean for voting? The move violates multiple high court rulings since 2018. Security concerns were greater in 2018 and 2013 but no such move was made back then. "It’s clear, based on the steps they took as soon as the polls opened, that the powers that be remain concerned about the PTI’s possible electoral impact. Especially its turnout potential. The party has been badly weakened and hollowed out, and yet it still has them worried," Michael Kugelman, South Asia Institute Director of The Wilson Centre wrote on X. Also read | Pakistan Elections 2024: Will Imran Khan bowl out army from prison? Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is widely expected to win the elections as the entire electioneering appears to be engineered to favour his return to power.

Pakistan Elections 2024: Digital darkness blinds voting day with Sharif tipped to win

<p>Pakistan is all set for a general election on Thursday (Feb 8), just hours after deadly blasts rocked the troubled nation, killing nearly 30 people and injuring dozens. The shocking explosions led to a tense situation across the nation, forcing authorities to deploy more than half a million security officers to maintain law and order on the polling day. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The South Asian nation has been marred by several factors including, economic crisis, political instability, and a rise in terrorism. These elements pose unprecedented challenges for the nation, making this general election consequential as it is expected to pave the way for the country's future.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Blasts on eve of Pakistan election</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The world turned its attention towards the Pakistan election, and the blasts grabbed headlines, leaving behind discussions on candidates and agenda for the nation. In the run-up to the vote, at least two candidates were shot dead and dozens more were targeted in attacks amid security incidents.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jan Achakzai, caretaker information minister for Balochistan province, said: "The aim of today's blasts was to sabotage the election. Despite today's blasts, the election will take place tomorrow. People of Balochistan will come out tomorrow without any fear."&nbsp;</p>

<p>So far, there has been no immediate claim of responsibility for the blasts in the Balochistan region, which is home to several militant factions fighting for a larger portion of the country's resources.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-elections-ptis-imran-khan-urges-people-to-leave-houses-and-vote-via-pre-recorded-message-687945">Pakistan elections: PTI's Imran Khan urges people to ‘leave homes and vote’ via pre-recorded message</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>Who are the key players?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Ahead of the polls, allegations of pre-poll rigging have marred the election in the aftermath of crackdown on the party of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan, who won the 2018 election but was ousted from power four years later by a national assembly vote of no confidence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Khan and his party members allege that conspiracies against them might alter result of the election. In a pre-recorded message, Khan urged the nation to cast their votes. About 128 million of Pakistan's 240 million people are eligible to vote.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nearly 18,000 candidates are running for seats in the national and four provincial assemblies, with 266 seats directly contested in the former - an additional 70 reserved for women and minorities - and 749 places in the regional parliaments.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/we-are-disturbed-un-sympathetic-of-ex-pm-imran-khans-party-ahead-of-pak-elections-687693">Pakistan elections: Allow all eligible parties to compete fairly, UN urges govt</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Nawaz Sharif:</strong> He is the former prime minister and chief of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party. The three-time former PM returned from a four-year self-imposed exile in the United Kingdom late last year, having contested the last election from a jail cell. His convictions for corruption and a lifetime ban from politics were overturned by courts.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Maryam Nawaz Sharif: </strong>She is the daughter of Nawaz and has played an influential role in the PML-N party. She was also jailed along with her father shortly before the 2018 elections on corruption charges. But the charges were later overturned.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Shehbaz Sharif:</strong> He is the younger brother of Nawaz. In his brother's absence, Shehbaz led a coalition government for 16 months following the ouster of Imran Khan until parliament was dissolved and a caretaker government took over to prepare for national elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Imran Khan:</strong> The former cricketer has been serving jail time since August. He has received multi-year bans from taking part in politics over many corruption and criminal charges, which he denies.&nbsp;The former cricket star denies wrongdoing and has blamed the country's powerful generals, who he fell out with in the lead-up to a no-confidence vote in 2022. The military denies meddling in politics.</p>

<p><strong>Bilawal Bhutto Zardari:</strong> He was the country's foreign minister until a caretaker government took over late last year. He said that he is focusing on the country's huge youth population and other issues such as climate change, and more.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Pakistan election commission calls the explosions a 'terror attack'</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>What's next for the winner?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The Sharifs&nbsp;are vying to become the supreme leader, but the major task will begin after the polls when the elected leader will take the responsibility&nbsp;to govern the nuclear-armed nation of 241 million people.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Analysts say that whoever wins takes over a deeply divided country with the economy in an absolute poor state. Inflation has reached an alarming level of nearly 30 per cent, the currency has been in free fall for three years and a balance-of-payments deficit has frozen imports, severely hampering industrial growth.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Pakistan is all set for a general election on Thursday (Feb 8), just hours after deadly blasts rocked the troubled nation, killing nearly 30 people and injuring dozens.

Pakistan is all set for a general election on Thursday (Feb 8), just hours after deadly blasts rocked the troubled nation, killing nearly 30 people and injuring dozens. The shocking explosions led to a tense situation across the nation, forcing authorities to deploy more than half a million security officers to maintain law and order on the polling day. The South Asian nation has been marred by several factors including, economic crisis, political instability, and a rise in terrorism. These elements pose unprecedented challenges for the nation, making this general election consequential as it is expected to pave the way for the country's future. Blasts on eve of Pakistan election The world turned its attention towards the Pakistan election, and the blasts grabbed headlines, leaving behind discussions on candidates and agenda for the nation. In the run-up to the vote, at least two candidates were shot dead and dozens more were targeted in attacks amid security incidents. Jan Achakzai, caretaker information minister for Balochistan province, said: "The aim of today's blasts was to sabotage the election. Despite today's blasts, the election will take place tomorrow. People of Balochistan will come out tomorrow without any fear." So far, there has been no immediate claim of responsibility for the blasts in the Balochistan region, which is home to several militant factions fighting for a larger portion of the country's resources. Also read: Pakistan elections: PTI's Imran Khan urges people to ‘leave homes and vote’ via pre-recorded message Who are the key players? Ahead of the polls, allegations of pre-poll rigging have marred the election in the aftermath of crackdown on the party of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan, who won the 2018 election but was ousted from power four years later by a national assembly vote of no confidence. Khan and his party members allege that conspiracies against them might alter result of the election. In a pre-recorded message, Khan urged the nation to cast their votes. About 128 million of Pakistan's 240 million people are eligible to vote. Nearly 18,000 candidates are running for seats in the national and four provincial assemblies, with 266 seats directly contested in the former - an additional 70 reserved for women and minorities - and 749 places in the regional parliaments. Also read: Pakistan elections: Allow all eligible parties to compete fairly, UN urges govt Nawaz Sharif: He is the former prime minister and chief of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party. The three-time former PM returned from a four-year self-imposed exile in the United Kingdom late last year, having contested the last election from a jail cell. His convictions for corruption and a lifetime ban from politics were overturned by courts. Maryam Nawaz Sharif: She is the daughter of Nawaz and has played an influential role in the PML-N party. She was also jailed along with her father shortly before the 2018 elections on corruption charges. But the charges were later overturned. Shehbaz Sharif: He is the younger brother of Nawaz. In his brother's absence, Shehbaz led a coalition government for 16 months following the ouster of Imran Khan until parliament was dissolved and a caretaker government took over to prepare for national elections. Imran Khan: The former cricketer has been serving jail time since August. He has received multi-year bans from taking part in politics over many corruption and criminal charges, which he denies. The former cricket star denies wrongdoing and has blamed the country's powerful generals, who he fell out with in the lead-up to a no-confidence vote in 2022. The military denies meddling in politics. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari: He was the country's foreign minister until a caretaker government took over late last year. He said that he is focusing on the country's huge youth population and other issues such as climate change, and more. Watch: Pakistan election commission calls the explosions a 'terror attack' × What's next for the winner? The Sharifs are vying to become the supreme leader, but the major task will begin after the polls when the elected leader will take the responsibility to govern the nuclear-armed nation of 241 million people. Analysts say that whoever wins takes over a deeply divided country with the economy in an absolute poor state. Inflation has reached an alarming level of nearly 30 per cent, the currency has been in free fall for three years and a balance-of-payments deficit has frozen imports, severely hampering industrial growth. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan: Troubled nation goes to polls after day of violence, roiled by vengeful politics, crisis-hit economy

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

<p>Pakistan Elections 2024: Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan and other incarcerated leaders of his Pakistan-Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party cast their votes through postal ballot from jail, Pakistani media reported as the polling is underway in the South Asian country on Thursday (February 8).</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></p>

<p>But Bushra Bibi, Khan's wife, was unable to participate in the voting as she was convicted and arrested after the completion of the postal voting process, Pakistan's <em>Dawn</em> newspaper reported.</p>

<p>Bushra Bibi, 49, was imprisoned at Khan's Bani Gala residence after an accountability court last week sentenced her along with Imran Khan to 14 years in jail in the Toshakhana (gift repository) corruption case.</p>

<p>Mashal Yousafzai, a spokesperson for Bushra Bibi told Pakistani media that&nbsp;the spouse of the former prime minister had been denied casting the vote through a postal ballot.</p>

<h2><strong>Pakistan Elections 2024: Jailed leaders who have cast their ballots</strong></h2>

<p>The leaders who have managed to vote by postal ballot include former foreign minister in Imran Khan's cabinet&nbsp;Shah Mahmood Qureshi, former Punjab chief minister Chaudhry Parvez Elahi, Awami Muslim League chief Sheikh Rashid, and former information minister Fawad Chaudhry.</p>

<p>Overall, fewer than 100 prisoners of Adiala Jail were able to vote, constituting only about one per cent of the prison's 7,000 inmates.</p>

<p>As polling are underway in Pakistan, the suspension of mobile internet services has been described as 'mockery of democracy' by the PTI leaders.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a message, PTI Central Information Secretary Raoof Hasan said Khan, 71, had dedicated everything, including his life, to that cause.</p>

<p>"As citizens of the country, we have a debt to pay. We must use our vote to change the face of Pakistan by dismantling a rotten system that has cast a vicious stranglehold on the country and its people," he said in a post on X.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Pakistan Elections 2024: Imran Khan casts his vote from Adiala jail, wife Bushra misses out</strong></p>

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<p>Khan's party has been stripped of its cricket bat symbol and instead the candidates backed by the PTI are contesting as independents.</p>

<p>The party, however, created a specific website that directs people across Pakistan to the candidates that are backed by the PTI in specific constituencies.</p>

<p>But with mobile internet suspended, people across Pakistan would find it difficult to figure out which candidate in their constituency is backed by the PTI.&nbsp;</p>

<p><b>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-elections-2024-will-imran-khan-bowl-out-army-from-prison-687168">Pakistan Elections 2024: Will Imran Khan bowl out army from prison?</a></b></p>

<p>Cricketer-turned-politician Khan, who has been in jail since August last year, has recently been given 10, 14 and seven years of imprisonment in cipher, Toshakhana and Iddat (his third 'unlawful' marriage) cases, respectively.</p>

<p>Pakistan's election commission has also rejected Imran Khan's nomination papers and those of other party leaders.</p>

<p>At least one of his party leaders was killed during polling-related violence and in the latest, a key candidate from Lahore was indicted in a terrorism case.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Pakistan Elections 2024: Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan and other incarcerated leaders of his Pakistan-Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party cast their votes through postal ballot from jail, Pakistani media reported as the polling is underway in the South Asian country on Thursday (February 8).

Pakistan Elections 2024: Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan and other incarcerated leaders of his Pakistan-Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party cast their votes through postal ballot from jail, Pakistani media reported as the polling is underway in the South Asian country on Thursday (February 8). Also read | Who is Bushra Bibi, the prayerful wife of ex-Pakistan PM Imran Khan? But Bushra Bibi, Khan's wife, was unable to participate in the voting as she was convicted and arrested after the completion of the postal voting process, Pakistan's Dawn newspaper reported. Bushra Bibi, 49, was imprisoned at Khan's Bani Gala residence after an accountability court last week sentenced her along with Imran Khan to 14 years in jail in the Toshakhana (gift repository) corruption case. Mashal Yousafzai, a spokesperson for Bushra Bibi told Pakistani media that the spouse of the former prime minister had been denied casting the vote through a postal ballot. Pakistan Elections 2024: Jailed leaders who have cast their ballots The leaders who have managed to vote by postal ballot include former foreign minister in Imran Khan's cabinet Shah Mahmood Qureshi, former Punjab chief minister Chaudhry Parvez Elahi, Awami Muslim League chief Sheikh Rashid, and former information minister Fawad Chaudhry. Overall, fewer than 100 prisoners of Adiala Jail were able to vote, constituting only about one per cent of the prison's 7,000 inmates. As polling are underway in Pakistan, the suspension of mobile internet services has been described as 'mockery of democracy' by the PTI leaders. In a message, PTI Central Information Secretary Raoof Hasan said Khan, 71, had dedicated everything, including his life, to that cause. "As citizens of the country, we have a debt to pay. We must use our vote to change the face of Pakistan by dismantling a rotten system that has cast a vicious stranglehold on the country and its people," he said in a post on X. Also watch | Pakistan Elections 2024: Imran Khan casts his vote from Adiala jail, wife Bushra misses out × Khan's party has been stripped of its cricket bat symbol and instead the candidates backed by the PTI are contesting as independents. The party, however, created a specific website that directs people across Pakistan to the candidates that are backed by the PTI in specific constituencies. But with mobile internet suspended, people across Pakistan would find it difficult to figure out which candidate in their constituency is backed by the PTI. Also read | Pakistan Elections 2024: Will Imran Khan bowl out army from prison? Cricketer-turned-politician Khan, who has been in jail since August last year, has recently been given 10, 14 and seven years of imprisonment in cipher, Toshakhana and Iddat (his third 'unlawful' marriage) cases, respectively. Pakistan's election commission has also rejected Imran Khan's nomination papers and those of other party leaders. At least one of his party leaders was killed during polling-related violence and in the latest, a key candidate from Lahore was indicted in a terrorism case. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan Elections 2024: Imran Khan casts postal ballot, wife Bushra denied right to vote

Pakistan Elections 2024: Counting underway, internet services partially restored in some areas

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