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

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

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

Pakistan both explosions in Balochistan province

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

Why has Pakistan failed to rein in insurgency in Balochistan?

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

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

Bombs ripped through two separate political offices in southwestern Pakistan on Wednesday, killing at least 29 people and wounding more than two dozen, the day before the country was set to elect a new parliament.

Bombings at Pakistani political offices kill at least 29 just a day before polls

Pakistan has responded to the remarks made by the United Nations regarding the general elections, saying that the country has finalised the security plans as per its electoral laws. A day earlier, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed concern over violent incidents ahead of the upcoming general elections set to take place on February 8.

Pakistan responds to UN on violence against candidates ahead of polls

In a surprise move former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan who is behind bars, has released a message for the voters. Imran has been in jail since august 2023. Along with Imran, numerous candidates of his party, PTI are behind bars or on the run from criminal and terrorism charges that they say are politically motivated. Now just hours before the country goes to poll, Imran has released his statement. Listen in to Imran Khan's message to voters.

Pakistan's ex-PM Imran Khan releases pre-recorded message

At least 27 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: 27 killed as two explosions rock Balochistan ahead of polls

27 killed as two explosions rock Pakistan a day before elections

Bushra Bibi, wife of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, has contested&nbsp;her confinement to Bani Gala residence to serve a 14-year sentence in the Toshakhana case, alleging discriminatory treatment and security concerns.

In her petition, Bushra Bibi asserts her readiness to serve her sentence in Adiala Jail, like other political workers, rather than in the designated sub-jail at her residence, as reported by The News.

Expressing unease over potential security risks, Bushra Bibi highlighted&nbsp;the movement of unidentified individuals in the declared sub-jail, contributing to her sense of insecurity despite her current good health.

She deems the "special treatment" afforded to her as contrary to constitutional principles of equality, urging the court to intervene in the interest of justice.

Considering the outlined reasons, Bushra Bibi implores the court to annul the notification declaring her house a sub-jail and relocate her to Adiala Jail.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-elections-2024-can-nawaz-sharif-put-pakistans-economy-back-on-track-687444">Also read | Data lab | Pak economy has been in the red for decades. Can Nawaz Sharif engineer a turnaround?</a>

<h2>Here's some context</h2>

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and his&nbsp;wife Bushra Khan have been handed a seven-year prison term and fined by a court for their marriage in 2018&nbsp;that has been deemed illegal. This marks Khan's third ruling against him this week, with a prohibition from participating in the upcoming national elections.

Apart from the marriage ruling, Khan and his wife were convicted of leaking state secrets and unlawfully selling state gifts. Representatives for Khan have announced plans to appeal all three verdicts.

Imran Khan is currently serving his sentence in Rawalpindi, while Bushra Khan will serve hers at their residence in Islamabad.&nbsp;Additionally, the couple faces a fine of 500,000 rupees or approximately $1,800 each.

Commenting on Imran Khan's imprisonment, his party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) issued a statement, condemning the legal proceedings: "After hours of rushed hearings at court, no cross-examination of witnesses, and no due process - a mockery of law."

Also watch |&nbsp;Pakistan Elections 2024: 46% Women on electoral list, ground reality starkly different

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-elections-2024-46-women-on-electoral-list-ground-reality-starkly-different-687702/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"With the way these trials are being conducted, there will be a huge question mark on the February 8th elections. This is a test case for Pakistan's higher judiciary," the statement further read.&nbsp;

The legality of the Khans' marriage was questioned due to an alleged breach of the Islamic waiting period following divorce, referred to as 'Iddat'. In Islam, Iddat mandates a period during which a woman must refrain from marrying another man, following the death of her husband or after a divorce, aimed at resolving uncertainties regarding the paternity of a child born subsequently. Typically, Iddat lasts for three lunar months or approximately 89 days, although it is not applicable if the marriage was not consummated.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

Bushra Bibi, wife of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, has contested her confinement to Bani Gala residence to serve a 14-year sentence in the Toshakhana case, alleging discriminatory treatment and security concerns.

Bushra Bibi, wife of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, has contested her confinement to Bani Gala residence to serve a 14-year sentence in the Toshakhana case, alleging discriminatory treatment and security concerns. In her petition, Bushra Bibi asserts her readiness to serve her sentence in Adiala Jail, like other political workers, rather than in the designated sub-jail at her residence, as reported by The News. Expressing unease over potential security risks, Bushra Bibi highlighted the movement of unidentified individuals in the declared sub-jail, contributing to her sense of insecurity despite her current good health. She deems the "special treatment" afforded to her as contrary to constitutional principles of equality, urging the court to intervene in the interest of justice. Considering the outlined reasons, Bushra Bibi implores the court to annul the notification declaring her house a sub-jail and relocate her to Adiala Jail. Also read | Data lab | Pak economy has been in the red for decades. Can Nawaz Sharif engineer a turnaround? Here's some context Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Khan have been handed a seven-year prison term and fined by a court for their marriage in 2018 that has been deemed illegal. This marks Khan's third ruling against him this week, with a prohibition from participating in the upcoming national elections. Apart from the marriage ruling, Khan and his wife were convicted of leaking state secrets and unlawfully selling state gifts. Representatives for Khan have announced plans to appeal all three verdicts. Imran Khan is currently serving his sentence in Rawalpindi, while Bushra Khan will serve hers at their residence in Islamabad. Additionally, the couple faces a fine of 500,000 rupees or approximately $1,800 each. Commenting on Imran Khan's imprisonment, his party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) issued a statement, condemning the legal proceedings: "After hours of rushed hearings at court, no cross-examination of witnesses, and no due process - a mockery of law." Also watch | Pakistan Elections 2024: 46% Women on electoral list, ground reality starkly different "With the way these trials are being conducted, there will be a huge question mark on the February 8th elections. This is a test case for Pakistan's higher judiciary," the statement further read. The legality of the Khans' marriage was questioned due to an alleged breach of the Islamic waiting period following divorce, referred to as 'Iddat'. In Islam, Iddat mandates a period during which a woman must refrain from marrying another man, following the death of her husband or after a divorce, aimed at resolving uncertainties regarding the paternity of a child born subsequently. Typically, Iddat lasts for three lunar months or approximately 89 days, although it is not applicable if the marriage was not consummated. (With inputs from agencies)

Pak: Bushra Bibi challenges house arrest in Toshakhana case citing discrimination, security concerns

Pakistan: Two  explosions rock Balochistan just a day before general elections

At least 17 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: 17 killed, 30 injured in Southwest Pakistan's Pishin

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

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

Pakistan: 17 killed as deadly explosion rocks Pakistan on eve of elections

The battleground is ready. Pakistan is set to go to polls in just over 24 hours. And before the clock strikes midnight, top leaders are leading mega roadshows in a last-ditch effort to woo the vote bank.

Pakistan's major political parties carry out mega-rally on last day of the campaign

Ahead of polls, what is the mood on the ground? Who will Pakistan vote in 2024 General Elections? Will Nawaz Sharif lead PML-N to victory? Watch to know more!

Pakistan gears up for polls | WION visits Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province ahead of polls

Pakistan: Last leg of campaigning before polls on February 8

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

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

Pakistan People's Party leader Aseefa Bhutto is leading the campaign for Bilawal Bhutto. Aseefa Bhutto has vowed to carry forward her late mother's (Benazir Bhutto) vision for the marginalized. She's not running for the elections but is actively campaigning for her brother Bilawal Bhutto. Watch to know more!

Pakistan Elections 2024: Bhutto siblings lead PPP's political campaign

With days to go for elections in Pakistan all major parties are conducting large scale campaign rallies in a last ditch effort to woo the country's 120 million voters but there are some contestants who are carrying out humble door-to-door campaigns. Watch to know more!

Pakistan Elections 2024: Transgender candidates campaign door-to-door

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 village disallows its women to vote in elections

Less than 48 hours on February 8th, 128 million Pakistani voters will cast their ballot to choose a new government for the world's fifth most populous nation. Keep watching to the three main contenders for 2024.

Pakistan elections: 128 million voters preparing to elect a new government

In the upcoming Pakistan elections, women are breaking the age-old tradition. Major political parties have fielded various women as their candidates in different constituencies. WION tells you more in this report about women candidates in Pakistan's general election 2024.

Pakistan Elections 2024: Women candidates all set to contest polls

Pakistan is headed for polls on the 8th of February, and the road to the elections has been anything but smooth. Can Imran Khan's influence permeate the walls of the prison? Barrister Muhammad Ahmad Pansota, Advocate Supreme Court joins us to discuss

Can Imran Khan defy the odds?

The Lok Sabha's External Affairs Committee has issued a comprehensive report urging the Indian government to intensify diplomatic efforts in exposing Pakistan's complicity in sponsoring terrorism, while bolstering security measures along India's borders.

"The Committee desires that the Government should keep up its diplomatic efforts to expose the nefarious activities of Pakistan and its links with various terrorist outfits at every fora while strengthening its land borders and sea routes to prevent terrorist infiltration," stated the report.

The committee's report, titled "Countering Global Terrorism at Regional and International Levels," paints a stark picture of the deep-rooted connections between ISI and terrorist outfits operating in the region.

Among the recipient groups of ISI's patronage, the report identifies prominent names such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM), and Indian Mujahideen (IM).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/tehreek-e-jihad-pakistan-the-latest-armed-jihad-challenge-for-indias-terror-exporting-neighbour-655280">Tehreek-e-Jihad Pakistan: The latest 'armed jihad' challenge for India's terror exporting neighbour</a>

Highlighting the gravity of the situation, the Committee emphasised the urgent need to dismantle terrorist networks and safe havens, asserting, "terrorist attacks in the country can only be curbed by dismantling all terrorist networks and safe havens."

Addressing the longstanding issue of cross-border terrorism, the report noted, "Terrorist outfits are provided safe havens, material support, finance and other logistics by Pakistan’s ISI to carry out terrorist activities in India."

Also watch |&nbsp;Spotlight on Pakistan's 'University of Jihad'

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Despite the absence of high-level interactions with Pakistan in the last three years, India has consistently raised concerns about Pakistan's support for cross-border terrorism at various international forums.

The report highlighted this, stating, "The Government consistently raises the issue of Pakistan’s continuing support to cross-border terrorism and terrorist infiltration at the bilateral, regional and multilateral level."

Furthermore, the Committee underscored India's enduring struggle against terrorism, stating, "The Committee observed that India has been a victim of terrorism for more than three decades."

The Lok Sabha's External Affairs Committee has issued a comprehensive report urging the Indian government to intensify diplomatic efforts in exposing Pakistan's complicity in sponsoring terrorism, while bolstering security measures along India's borders.

The Lok Sabha's External Affairs Committee has issued a comprehensive report urging the Indian government to intensify diplomatic efforts in exposing Pakistan's complicity in sponsoring terrorism, while bolstering security measures along India's borders. "The Committee desires that the Government should keep up its diplomatic efforts to expose the nefarious activities of Pakistan and its links with various terrorist outfits at every fora while strengthening its land borders and sea routes to prevent terrorist infiltration," stated the report. The committee's report, titled "Countering Global Terrorism at Regional and International Levels," paints a stark picture of the deep-rooted connections between ISI and terrorist outfits operating in the region. Among the recipient groups of ISI's patronage, the report identifies prominent names such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM), and Indian Mujahideen (IM). Also read | Tehreek-e-Jihad Pakistan: The latest 'armed jihad' challenge for India's terror exporting neighbour Highlighting the gravity of the situation, the Committee emphasised the urgent need to dismantle terrorist networks and safe havens, asserting, "terrorist attacks in the country can only be curbed by dismantling all terrorist networks and safe havens." Addressing the longstanding issue of cross-border terrorism, the report noted, "Terrorist outfits are provided safe havens, material support, finance and other logistics by Pakistan’s ISI to carry out terrorist activities in India." Also watch | Spotlight on Pakistan's 'University of Jihad' × Despite the absence of high-level interactions with Pakistan in the last three years, India has consistently raised concerns about Pakistan's support for cross-border terrorism at various international forums. The report highlighted this, stating, "The Government consistently raises the issue of Pakistan’s continuing support to cross-border terrorism and terrorist infiltration at the bilateral, regional and multilateral level." Furthermore, the Committee underscored India's enduring struggle against terrorism, stating, "The Committee observed that India has been a victim of terrorism for more than three decades."

Lok Sabha report urges diplomatic action against Pakistan for supporting terrorism

Pakistan is heading to polls on Thursday (Feb 8)&nbsp;in the throes of an economic downturn.&nbsp;The South Asian nation is grappling with formidable challenges including crippling inflation, a persistently weakening currency, and critically low foreign reserves.&nbsp;

In January 2024, the <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=PAKISTAN+BERAEU+OF+STATISTICS&amp;sca_esv=f8ea33c309cd8c22&amp;rlz=1C1GCEU_en-GBIN1035IN1035&amp;sxsrf=ACQVn08TBZS-DBOlBfWJsZ3xgPEmdE1LiQ%3A1707198862285&amp;ei=jsnBZbmLEfWQ4-EPnJ2RmA4&amp;ved=0ahUKEwi5iv2tg5aEAxV1yDgGHZxOBOMQ4dUDCBA&amp;uact=5&amp;oq=PAKISTAN+BERAEU+OF+STATISTICS&amp;gs_lp=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&amp;sclient=gws-wiz-serp">Pakistan Bureau of Statistics</a> reported a 28 per cent&nbsp;year-on-year inflation. Last week, fuel prices experienced another hike, and substantial electricity bills are anticipated for citizens this upcoming summer.

Additionally, Pakistan is confronted with a substantial debt repayment burden of $77.5 billion over the next three years, constituting nearly a quarter of its gross domestic product.

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In their election manifestos, political parties vow to tackle these economic woes. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), led by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, aims to increase annual exports to $60 billion and raise remittances from overseas Pakistanis to $40bn.

&nbsp;

However, the question remains: Can Nawaz Sharif truly navigate the uphill road?

WION spoke to Sharat Sabharwal, former Indian ambassador to Pakistan, to gain insights into the potential implications of a government led by Nawaz Sharif for Pakistan.

"The 2024 Pakistan parliamentary election is a mirror image of the 2018 poll, in the sense that Imran Khan was the spirit then and Nawaz Sharif was hated, and that has gotten reversed now. 2018 was a managed and fixed election, and 2024 is also the same," Ambassador Sabharwal told WION.

Nawaz Sharif&nbsp;returned to Pakistan from his exile in London, purportedly as part of an agreement with the military, as per several reports.&nbsp;

This is also evident from the sudden termination of many&nbsp;legal proceedings against him.&nbsp;

Asked about what a Sharif-led government would entail, Ambassador Sabharwal said his instincts were good on relations with India. "He realises the economic burden of Pakistan and also sees stabilising relations with India as a way of&nbsp;cutting the salience of the Army in the Pakistani polity."

"But his ability to deliver will depend on the army's will," he noted.

Additionally, the PML-N has vowed&nbsp;to finalise a $10 billion oil refinery deal with Saudi Arabia, diversify refining sources, and advance the Main Line 1 rail project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Ambassador Sabharwal noted that while these initiatives may initially stimulate economic growth, they also contribute to the country's debt burden in the long run.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), led by former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, has pledged&nbsp;to double per capita income within five years and provide free electricity to underprivileged families for up to 300 kilowatt-hours. However, neither party has elaborated on their strategies for achieving these goals.

<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>

While observers acknowledge the necessity of forming a government in Pakistan, they are also aware of the military's influence in orchestrating elections and selecting leaders.

Analysts suggest that Pakistan will require immediate financial assistance from international allies in the near future. The country currently has an active bailout arrangement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) valued at approximately $3bn, albeit with stringent conditions including budgetary adjustments and increased fuel prices.

"There are no short-term solutions. Pakistan will have to negotiate more loans from the IMF for debt restructuring. It will have to take some tough decisions, which will cause a lot of economic pain to the poor,"&nbsp;Prof Ajay Darshan Behera,&nbsp;Academy of International Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, told WION.&nbsp;

In addition to concerns regarding fairness, the electoral process is also endangered by the spectre&nbsp;of violence.

The most recent incident occurred early on Monday (Feb 5), when militants in the northwest region of the country killed at least 10 police officers, adding to a series of attacks.

"The issue of terrorism has not received adequate media attention due to the political instability in the country since April 2022. The reality is incidents of terrorism have grown significantly in the bordering regions of Afghanistan and Balochistan since the Taliban takeover of power in August 2021. The establishment is determined to go ahead with the scheduled elections. Still, we may likely see a spurt in the incidents of terrorism in the political uncertainties of the transfer of power," noted Prof Behera.&nbsp;

Now, it all hinges on the military's approval and the extent to which they permit any sitting prime minister to act.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Pakistan is heading to polls on Thursday (Feb 8) in the throes of an economic downturn. The South Asian nation is grappling with formidable challenges including crippling inflation, a persistently weakening currency, and critically low foreign reserves.

Pakistan is heading to polls on Thursday (Feb 8) in the throes of an economic downturn. The South Asian nation is grappling with formidable challenges including crippling inflation, a persistently weakening currency, and critically low foreign reserves. In January 2024, the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics reported a 28 per cent year-on-year inflation. Last week, fuel prices experienced another hike, and substantial electricity bills are anticipated for citizens this upcoming summer. Additionally, Pakistan is confronted with a substantial debt repayment burden of $77.5 billion over the next three years, constituting nearly a quarter of its gross domestic product. × In their election manifestos, political parties vow to tackle these economic woes. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), led by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, aims to increase annual exports to $60 billion and raise remittances from overseas Pakistanis to $40bn. However, the question remains: Can Nawaz Sharif truly navigate the uphill road? WION spoke to Sharat Sabharwal, former Indian ambassador to Pakistan, to gain insights into the potential implications of a government led by Nawaz Sharif for Pakistan. "The 2024 Pakistan parliamentary election is a mirror image of the 2018 poll, in the sense that Imran Khan was the spirit then and Nawaz Sharif was hated, and that has gotten reversed now. 2018 was a managed and fixed election, and 2024 is also the same," Ambassador Sabharwal told WION. Nawaz Sharif returned to Pakistan from his exile in London, purportedly as part of an agreement with the military, as per several reports. This is also evident from the sudden termination of many legal proceedings against him. Asked about what a Sharif-led government would entail, Ambassador Sabharwal said his instincts were good on relations with India. "He realises the economic burden of Pakistan and also sees stabilising relations with India as a way of cutting the salience of the Army in the Pakistani polity." "But his ability to deliver will depend on the army's will," he noted. Additionally, the PML-N has vowed to finalise a $10 billion oil refinery deal with Saudi Arabia, diversify refining sources, and advance the Main Line 1 rail project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Ambassador Sabharwal noted that while these initiatives may initially stimulate economic growth, they also contribute to the country's debt burden in the long run. Meanwhile, the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), led by former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, has pledged to double per capita income within five years and provide free electricity to underprivileged families for up to 300 kilowatt-hours. However, neither party has elaborated on their strategies for achieving these goals. Also read | Pakistan Elections 2024: Will Imran Khan bowl out army from prison? While observers acknowledge the necessity of forming a government in Pakistan, they are also aware of the military's influence in orchestrating elections and selecting leaders. Analysts suggest that Pakistan will require immediate financial assistance from international allies in the near future. The country currently has an active bailout arrangement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) valued at approximately $3bn, albeit with stringent conditions including budgetary adjustments and increased fuel prices. "There are no short-term solutions. Pakistan will have to negotiate more loans from the IMF for debt restructuring. It will have to take some tough decisions, which will cause a lot of economic pain to the poor," Prof Ajay Darshan Behera, Academy of International Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, told WION. In addition to concerns regarding fairness, the electoral process is also endangered by the spectre of violence. The most recent incident occurred early on Monday (Feb 5), when militants in the northwest region of the country killed at least 10 police officers, adding to a series of attacks. "The issue of terrorism has not received adequate media attention due to the political instability in the country since April 2022. The reality is incidents of terrorism have grown significantly in the bordering regions of Afghanistan and Balochistan since the Taliban takeover of power in August 2021. The establishment is determined to go ahead with the scheduled elections. Still, we may likely see a spurt in the incidents of terrorism in the political uncertainties of the transfer of power," noted Prof Behera. Now, it all hinges on the military's approval and the extent to which they permit any sitting prime minister to act.

Data lab | Pak economy has been in the red for decades. Can Nawaz Sharif engineer a turnaround?

As Pakistan goes to vote on February 8, democracy in the country becomes a war zone. The battle lines are clear. On one side is Imran Khan, who has been slapped with a third jail sentence in a week, on the other hand is the powerful army, which is hell-bent on stopping the popular PTI leader, from returning to power. How will the people respond? How far will the Pakistani military go to rig the polls?

Gravitas | Pak Elections: Army cheats to stop Imran Khan's return

As the first month of 2024 concludes and more data comes in on the state of the global economy, economists are turning optimistic. However, the journey into the remainder of the year is not without challenges, as several uncertainties loom on the horizon. Economic commentators have turned bullish as key indicators signal optimism and recovery of major economies worldwide.

Global inflation seen moderating to 5.8%: IMF

Former Pak PM Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi, have been sentenced to 7 years in prison and been fined after a Court ruled their 2018 marriage 'illegal.' The couple have each been fined 500,000 rupees, which is $1,800.

Gravitas: Imran Khan, Bushra get 7-year jail term for 'un-Islamic marriage'

As the countdown to Pakistan elections begins, PPP and PLM-N carry out mass rallies to woo voters, while PTI continues to fight police crackdown. Are the upcoming polls going to be a battle between Bhutto and Sharif?

Pakistan: Imran Khan factor in Pakistan elections | Can Imran Khan come back?

Three days ahead of the January 8 polls, At least 10 police officials have been killed and six critically injured in yet another targeted terror attack in Pakistan.

10 killed as dozens of militants attack police station in north Pakistan

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