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<p>Nine people including six security personnel were killed in militant attacks in Pakistan on Thursday (Feb 8) as the country voted in the general election.&nbsp;Speaking to Reuters, Makran division's Commissioner Saeed Ahmed said that grenade attacks were also reported in different parts of Balochistan, but polling remained unaffected there since there were no casualties.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-election-2024-live-in-backdrop-of-violence-bomb-blasts-pakistan-set-to-vote-688026">Click here to follow all updates on Pakistan elections</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>26 people killed in 2 explosions in Balochistan</strong></h2>

<p>These attacks came a day after at least 26 people were killed in two explosions near electoral candidates' offices in Balochistan. The Islamic State had claimed responsibility for the explosions.</p>

<p>Following the explosions, Pakistan's interior ministry said, "As a result of the recent incidents of terrorism in the country precious lives have been lost, security measures are essential to maintain the law and order situation and deal with possible threats."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-elections-2024-digital-darkness-blinds-voting-day-as-sharif-tipped-to-win-688101">Digital darkness blinds voting day with Sharif tipped to win Pak elections</a></strong></p>

<p>In a letter to the country's Election Commission, Mohsin Dawar, a candidate from North Waziristan, said that some polling stations in his constituency were taken over by local Taliban&nbsp;who were threatening polling staff and locals.</p>

<h2><strong>Mobile services temporarily suspended</strong></h2>

<p>On election day, mobile services were temporarily suspended across Pakistan. Citizens were seen casting their ballots at&nbsp;polling stations. In this election, the main contenders are candidates backed by jailed former prime minister Imran Khan, whose Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) won the last national election, and the Pakistan Muslim League (N) of Nawaz Sharif, who analysts say is being backed by the military, Reuters reported.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Terror attacks, pre-poll rigging allegations mar Pak polls</strong></p>

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<p>Polling closed by 5 pm and unofficial results are expected in a few hours. But, a clearer picture of who won the election is likely to emerge on Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Nine people including six security personnel were killed in militant attacks in Pakistan on Thursday (Feb 8) as the country voted in the general election. Speaking to Reuters, Makran division's Commissioner Saeed Ahmed said that grenade attacks were also reported in different parts of Balochistan, but polling remained unaffected there since there were no casualties.

Nine people including six security personnel were killed in militant attacks in Pakistan on Thursday (Feb 8) as the country voted in the general election. Speaking to Reuters, Makran division's Commissioner Saeed Ahmed said that grenade attacks were also reported in different parts of Balochistan, but polling remained unaffected there since there were no casualties. Click here to follow all updates on Pakistan elections 26 people killed in 2 explosions in Balochistan These attacks came a day after at least 26 people were killed in two explosions near electoral candidates' offices in Balochistan. The Islamic State had claimed responsibility for the explosions. Following the explosions, Pakistan's interior ministry said, "As a result of the recent incidents of terrorism in the country precious lives have been lost, security measures are essential to maintain the law and order situation and deal with possible threats." Also read | Digital darkness blinds voting day with Sharif tipped to win Pak elections In a letter to the country's Election Commission, Mohsin Dawar, a candidate from North Waziristan, said that some polling stations in his constituency were taken over by local Taliban who were threatening polling staff and locals. Mobile services temporarily suspended On election day, mobile services were temporarily suspended across Pakistan. Citizens were seen casting their ballots at polling stations. In this election, the main contenders are candidates backed by jailed former prime minister Imran Khan, whose Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) won the last national election, and the Pakistan Muslim League (N) of Nawaz Sharif, who analysts say is being backed by the military, Reuters reported. Also watch | Terror attacks, pre-poll rigging allegations mar Pak polls × Polling closed by 5 pm and unofficial results are expected in a few hours. But, a clearer picture of who won the election is likely to emerge on Friday. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan: Nine killed in militant attacks as country votes in general election

<p>As Pakistan gears up for elections, candidates like Aamir Mughal wield unusual symbols, like eggplants or "baingan," assigned to them by the Election Commission.&nbsp;Mughal, a contender vying for Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, aligns with imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Khan's supporters, now standing as independent candidates in the upcoming February national election, have been allocated electoral symbols, with Mughal's being the eggplant. These symbols, while often bizarre, play a crucial role in identifying candidates, especially in regions with low literacy rates.</p>

<p>The military-backed crackdown on opposition parties has intensified the challenges faced by candidates.</p>

<p>With Imran Khan's party losing its cricket bat emblem, his followers, now contesting as independents, encounter harassment and symbol-related hurdles, complicating their electoral bids.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-elections-2024-will-imran-khan-bowl-out-army-from-prison-687168">Also read |&nbsp;Pakistan Elections 2024: Will Imran Khan bowl out army from prison?</a></p>

<h2><strong>Eggplants and endorsements</strong></h2>

<p>Despite the comedic undertones, candidates like Mughal creatively embrace their symbols. Mughal's eggplant-themed campaign, a nod to Imran Khan's affiliation, gained&nbsp;traction, with the vegetable's popularity soaring and becoming synonymous with the candidate's association.</p>

<p>In Punjab, Ejaz Gaddan's (a 50-year-old Bahawalpur candidate) bed symbol evoked&nbsp;mixed reactions. While perceived as humiliating by some, Gaddan reframes its significance, highlighting its practical utility and cultural resonance, drawing connections to life and death in Pakistani households.</p>

<p>Candidates like Shehryar Afridi confront symbols with negative connotations, like the bottle, associated with emptiness or alcohol in local contexts. Afridi ingeniously reinterpreted&nbsp;the symbol, transforming it into a medicine bottle to address societal issues and combat stigma.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Pakistan Power Play: 77 years and no full-term Prime Minister&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<h2 data-testid="embed-heading"><strong>What is an electoral symbol?</strong></h2>

<p>An electoral symbol, a distinct pictorial representation, is allocated by Pakistan's election commission to political entities and candidates. These symbols, displayed on ballot papers, aid voters, particularly the large illiterate population, in identifying their preferred choice. Pakistan's electoral landscape encompasses numerous candidates and parties, each represented by a symbol on the ballot paper, facilitating the voting process. While parties typically maintain longstanding symbols, such as Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and its cricket bat emblem, the Election Commission recently revoked PTI's symbol due to procedural issues, sparking allegations of military interference, vehemently denied by the army.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As Pakistan gears up for elections, candidates like Aamir Mughal wield unusual symbols, like eggplants or "baingan," assigned to them by the Election Commission.

As Pakistan gears up for elections, candidates like Aamir Mughal wield unusual symbols, like eggplants or "baingan," assigned to them by the Election Commission. Mughal, a contender vying for Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, aligns with imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Khan's supporters, now standing as independent candidates in the upcoming February national election, have been allocated electoral symbols, with Mughal's being the eggplant. These symbols, while often bizarre, play a crucial role in identifying candidates, especially in regions with low literacy rates. The military-backed crackdown on opposition parties has intensified the challenges faced by candidates. With Imran Khan's party losing its cricket bat emblem, his followers, now contesting as independents, encounter harassment and symbol-related hurdles, complicating their electoral bids. Also read | Pakistan Elections 2024: Will Imran Khan bowl out army from prison? Eggplants and endorsements Despite the comedic undertones, candidates like Mughal creatively embrace their symbols. Mughal's eggplant-themed campaign, a nod to Imran Khan's affiliation, gained traction, with the vegetable's popularity soaring and becoming synonymous with the candidate's association. In Punjab, Ejaz Gaddan's (a 50-year-old Bahawalpur candidate) bed symbol evoked mixed reactions. While perceived as humiliating by some, Gaddan reframes its significance, highlighting its practical utility and cultural resonance, drawing connections to life and death in Pakistani households. Candidates like Shehryar Afridi confront symbols with negative connotations, like the bottle, associated with emptiness or alcohol in local contexts. Afridi ingeniously reinterpreted the symbol, transforming it into a medicine bottle to address societal issues and combat stigma. Also watch | Pakistan Power Play: 77 years and no full-term Prime Minister What is an electoral symbol? An electoral symbol, a distinct pictorial representation, is allocated by Pakistan's election commission to political entities and candidates. These symbols, displayed on ballot papers, aid voters, particularly the large illiterate population, in identifying their preferred choice. Pakistan's electoral landscape encompasses numerous candidates and parties, each represented by a symbol on the ballot paper, facilitating the voting process. While parties typically maintain longstanding symbols, such as Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and its cricket bat emblem, the Election Commission recently revoked PTI's symbol due to procedural issues, sparking allegations of military interference, vehemently denied by the army. (With inputs from agencies)

Eggplants, lions and hookahs: How Pakistan's polls became the stage for comic electoral symbols

At least 29 people were killed and several suffered injuries in a blast near an election office in Balochistan province, on the eve of Pakistan's crucial general elections.

Pakistan elections 2024: 29 killed, 50 injured as deadly explosion rocks Pakistan ahead of polls

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

Pakistan elections 2024: Country on high alert on voting day

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 2024: Internet services partially restored as counting gets underway

Pakistan elections 2024: Opposition cries foul over mobile shutdown

Pakistan elections 2024: Mobile services temporarily suspended as voting begins in the country

Polls opened at 8am (03:00 GMT) and will close at 5pm (12:00 GMT). Polling may be extended in some areas as per election commission’s rules.

Pakistan elections 2024: Will Bilawal Bhutto's outside bid succeed?

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

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

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

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

Pakistan is holding a national election on Thursday to elect a new government. However, multiple crises are plaguing the nuclear-armed, South Asian nation of 241 million.

What are the challenges ahead of the newly-elected govt in Pakistan?

Pakistan votes on Thursday in an election scarred by rising militant attacks, an economic crisis and a deeply polarised political environment. Internet and telecom services have been temporarily suspended to strengthen security.

Pakistan Elections 2024: PPP approaches poll body against suspension of internet services

Pakistan is contesting elections amid the explosions. Several explosions rocked Pakistan in the past 24 hours. The trail of explosions started on the eve of the general elections.

Pakistan explosion: How many blasts rocked Pak at the time of general elections

Millions of Pakistanis vote 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.

Pakistan Elections 2024: Terror attacks, pre-poll rigging allegations mars polls

Pakistan Elections 2024: Mobile services suspended across Pakistan for election day

<p>Pakistanis are casting their ballot on Thursday (Feb 8) in the general elections 2024. The results of the polls will shape the country's political future for years to come. This time, former prime minister Imran Khan, a prominent figure in Pakistani politics, is behind bars and is unable to contest due to legal constraints stemming from various judicial proceedings.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Nawaz Sharif, a seasoned politician and leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), has made a dramatic return from the UK. The reappearance of the former prime minister on the political scene has added an element of anticipation to the electoral process and its outcome.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As WION provides you with complete coverage of Pakistan General Elections 2024, here's all you need to know in terms of the country's voters, demographics, security measures imposed ahead of the elections, key political contenders, and election symbols.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Voters&nbsp;and demographics</strong></h2>

<p>Polling began at 8:00 AM local time and will continue uninterrupted until 5:00 PM. Around 128 million people are registered to cast their votes, with nearly half of them under the age of 35.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read</strong> |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/multiple-blasts-rock-pakistan-on-general-election-eve-at-least-27-dead-688014">Islamic State claims responsibility for multiple blasts in Pakistan on election eve</a></p>

<p>Voters will choose from over 5,000 candidates, with only 313 being women. There are 90,675 polling stations set up across the country.<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Mobile internet service ban, security measures</strong></h2>

<p>Out of the total polling stations, over half have been labeled as sensitive. The Chief Election Commissioner has directed provincial police heads to ensure the safety of voters.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-elections-2024-can-nawaz-sharif-put-pakistans-economy-back-on-track-687444">Data lab | Pak economy has been in the red for decades. Can Nawaz Sharif engineer a turnaround?</a></p>

<p>Mobile internet services have been suspended to maintain security during the voting process. WiFi internet appears to be working.</p>

<p>Strict rules are being implemented in Pakistan, including limitations on discussing candidates and campaigning until voting concludes.<br />
<br />
The outcome of the elections will be known from Thursday night, but the official announcement for all results and government formation&nbsp;might take weeks&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Key contenders</strong></h2>

<p>Nawaz Sharif, leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), known as the "Lion of Punjab" and Bilawal Bhutto, chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), are among important candidates.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-power-play-77-years-and-no-full-term-prime-minister-wion-wideangle-688069">Pakistan Power Play: 77 years and no full-term Prime Minister | WION Wideangle</a></strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-power-play-77-years-and-no-full-term-prime-minister-wion-wideangle-688069/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

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<p>Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), despite his absence due to legal issues, remains a key player as well.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Election symbols</strong></h2>

<p>PTI candidates are facing challenges due to a ban on their traditional cricket bat symbol. Some candidates have been assigned unconventional symbols, such as an empty vessel, or a bed. These unfamiliar symbols have complicated their campaigns.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nawaz Sharif's PML-N, has a party symbol of a tiger, while Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's Pakistan People's Party has it traditional symbol, the arrow.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Pakistanis are casting their ballot on Thursday (Feb 8) in the general elections 2024. The results of the polls will shape the country's political future for years to come.

Pakistanis are casting their ballot on Thursday (Feb 8) in the general elections 2024. The results of the polls will shape the country's political future for years to come. This time, former prime minister Imran Khan, a prominent figure in Pakistani politics, is behind bars and is unable to contest due to legal constraints stemming from various judicial proceedings. Meanwhile, Nawaz Sharif, a seasoned politician and leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), has made a dramatic return from the UK. The reappearance of the former prime minister on the political scene has added an element of anticipation to the electoral process and its outcome. As WION provides you with complete coverage of Pakistan General Elections 2024, here's all you need to know in terms of the country's voters, demographics, security measures imposed ahead of the elections, key political contenders, and election symbols. Voters and demographics Polling began at 8:00 AM local time and will continue uninterrupted until 5:00 PM. Around 128 million people are registered to cast their votes, with nearly half of them under the age of 35. Also Read | Islamic State claims responsibility for multiple blasts in Pakistan on election eve Voters will choose from over 5,000 candidates, with only 313 being women. There are 90,675 polling stations set up across the country. Mobile internet service ban, security measures Out of the total polling stations, over half have been labeled as sensitive. The Chief Election Commissioner has directed provincial police heads to ensure the safety of voters. Also Read | Data lab | Pak economy has been in the red for decades. Can Nawaz Sharif engineer a turnaround? Mobile internet services have been suspended to maintain security during the voting process. WiFi internet appears to be working. Strict rules are being implemented in Pakistan, including limitations on discussing candidates and campaigning until voting concludes. The outcome of the elections will be known from Thursday night, but the official announcement for all results and government formation might take weeks Key contenders Nawaz Sharif, leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), known as the "Lion of Punjab" and Bilawal Bhutto, chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), are among important candidates. Watch | Pakistan Power Play: 77 years and no full-term Prime Minister | WION Wideangle × Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), despite his absence due to legal issues, remains a key player as well. Election symbols PTI candidates are facing challenges due to a ban on their traditional cricket bat symbol. Some candidates have been assigned unconventional symbols, such as an empty vessel, or a bed. These unfamiliar symbols have complicated their campaigns. Nawaz Sharif's PML-N, has a party symbol of a tiger, while Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's Pakistan People's Party has it traditional symbol, the arrow. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan Elections 2024: What you need to know - Voters, main candidates, election symbols, & more

Pakistan votes for high stakes election amid rising militant attacks

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

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: Terror attacks, pre-poll rigging allegations mar polls

Pakistanis are voting in the country's general election. Internet and telecom services have been temporarily suspended to strengthen security. The decision follows a rise in militant attacks in the run-up to the election.

Pakistan Elections: Polls open in Pakistan, 128 million eligible to vote

Political personalities who are detained, including former prime minister Imran Khan, have cast their ballots via postal ballot from Adiala Jail. But Bushra Bibi, Mr. Khan's wife, was not allowed to vote since, following the postal voting process, she was found guilty and taken into custody.

Pakistan Elections 2024: Imran Khan casts ballot from Adiala jail

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

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

With over 120 million registered voters ready to cast their ballot on Feb 8, there are some who won't be allowed to exercise their right. This is a story of a village in Pakistan, holding back it's women voters.

Pakistan Election 2024: A village where women are barred from voting

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

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

Pakistan's voters are the most pessimistic about the economy in the years leading up to Thursday's election. That is based on a Gallup poll, which also showed Pakistani voters struggle to make ends meet in the face of the highest inflation in Asia. This report is to understand the likely impact of the economic conditions on Pakistan's elections.

Pakistan's economic pessimism hits record

Several people were killed and many more injured in at least three explosions that rocked Pakistan’s troubled Balochistan province on Wednesday, just a day before general elections. Watch in for more details!

Pakistan jolted by three deadly explosions day before general elections

Pakistan Elections 2024: Story of Dhurnal village where women are barred from voting

Pakistan Elections 2024: 46% Women on electoral list, ground reality starkly different

One person was killed and a child sustained injuries in a blast in Gulshan E Iqbal area of Karachi. 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.

Third blast in Pakistan's Karachi, 1 killed, child injured

Pakistan is just 12 hours away from 120 million of its voters casting their ballot. But with each passing moment. Terror attacks and blasts are wreaking havoc in the country. Making this race to power, a complicated and dangerous one.

Pakistan election commission calls the explosions a 'terror attack'

Pakistan Election Commission: Explosions are a 'terror attack'

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