<p>The results of Pakistan elections 2024 indicate that if free and fair elections had been held, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) under Imran Khan would have come to power, but this was not to the liking of the establishment/deep state (Pakistan Army). It therefore skilfully played its cards well in advance by severing the identity of PTI and disqualifying Imran Khan, forcing PTI members to contest independently to ensure that they do not get the reserved seat quota for women and minority candidates and do not reach a position to form the government in spite of semblance of free and fair election. As the results poured in with PTI-backed independents galloping towards majority, some tweaking was allegedly done by establishment to keep them below the threshold level needed to come to power. PTI supporters seem to be protesting in large numbers. &nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2024 elections, the establishment smartly played the game differently to ensure that every stakeholder remains well below the threshold level of claiming simple majority to form the government. This gives opportunity to the establishment to stack numbers for chosen prime minister from behind the scene, thus selecting a puppet PM who can be projected as an elected PM globally, but one who can be displaced by the establishment. The current political scene has been masterminded so that no civilian leader of Pakistan can challenge the power of the Army.</p>

<h2><strong>Why Pakistani army remains the power centre in Pakistan?</strong></h2>

<p>Pakistan is used to being governed by its army since its existence. Out of 77 years of its independence, Pakistan army has ruled the country directly for significant time and for the remaining period it has ruled through a 'selected' PM.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One of the major reasons has been that with repeated wars since its independence, Pakistan army has been able to sell the narrative that India is its biggest existential threat and army is the only establishment that can save it from such a threat. And so all levers of power must remain with it. The ‘India threat theory’ became more pronounced and convincing to public after humiliating defeat in the 1971 war against India, resulting the country losing East Pakistan as liberated sovereign Bangladesh. Even when not ruling the country directly, the army has always maintained the over-riding authority over nation’s defence, internal security, foreign affairs and more recently over its economy. This will not change in future.</p>

<p>The army’s narrative was backed by exposing corruption of all the politicians at opportune moments as most politicians repeatedly proved their corrupt credentials in public eye, making them unreliable to hold real power. Although army generals are no less corrupt but they have been able to control their own exposure to public, due to absolute hold over all the concerned agencies and establishments, including judiciary.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Why did Pakistan army dump&nbsp;Imran Khan?</strong></h2>

<p>During last election Imran Khan appeared to be the candidate 'selected' by the army. Once he challenged it over some of the issues, the clash started. This ultimately led to PTI supporters actually attacking a few army establishments. The deep state thereafter has been trying out various alternatives to keep him out of power, even if it amounts to dry-cleaning Nawaz Sharif of all his previous wrong doings and pushing him as viable option. The Pakistan army is trying to ensure that it doesn’t face any challenge from politicians.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The only challenge which the army faces is from terrorist organisations like the Tehreek-e-Taliban-e-Pakistan (TTP), the Baluchistan Liberation Army. Such groups in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Baluchistan are actively attacking the Pakistan army, and this situation will not alter regardless of the outcome of the elections/political settlement. The election doesn’t bring any hope for improvement of internal security situation.</p>

<h2><strong>Possible political outcome&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>With a hung parliament, despite PTI-backed independent candidates and supporters claiming victory, the PML(N)’s claim of being the largest political party, may well facilitate&nbsp;mustering of the required numbers by encouraging the other political parties and some independents to join. The recent statement of Pakistan army chief indicates a guideline for political parties to get together to form the government. There may be some adjustments, permutations and a combination of power-sharing among the parties concerned, but a weak democratic government at the mercy of the Pakistan army will emerge to face an unprecedented economic and political crisis.</p>

<p>In case the puppet regime fails to resolve the crisis, becomes unpopular or follows the narrative uncomfortable to the army (like improving relations with India or hindering smooth operations of terrorists), the army will have a popular leader like Imran Khan in reserve. One whose image can easily be dry-cleaned (as has been done in case of Nawaz Sharif) and be reinstated through non confidence motion at appropriate time. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Why USA and China ignore democratic backsliding in Pakistan?</strong></h2>

<p>Pakistan's strategic location and it’s control over some of the terrorist groups is still important for United States, in case it has to launch any operation against any terror organisation like Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan. USA has supported dictatorship in Pakistan historically to suit its strategic aims in Af-Pak Region and it is used to dealing with Pakistan army directly, closing its eyes to sham democratic credentials of Pakistan. The non-committal statements from US State Department indicate that whichever is the party in power, US will work with it as it knows that finally it will deal with the army/establishment, which will not change. China too needs the strategic space in Pakistan for its China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects and finds the army a useful tool as nuisance creator to India through proxy war. Both, USA and China, do not see any political leadership stable enough for long-term engagement and prefer to work with Pakistan army, whom they see as relatively reliable. Pakistan army will continue to ignore international criticism about its treatment to PTI and Imran Khan, with support of P5 member like China.</p>

<h2><strong>How Does it Impact India?</strong></h2>

<p>The biggest hindrance to peaceful engagement between India and Pakistan is the latter's support to the terror groups against India and its proxy war in Kashmir. All these are part of deliberate strategy of Pakistan army. Strained relations with India increase&nbsp;its relevance in public perception, giving it an excuse to retain all levers of power. The election results and possible political outcome does not change the pivotal role of Pakistan army in any of these matters. In view of that the election outcome does not bring any hope of better relations between India and Pakistan, unless the dire economic and internal situation in Pakistan forces the army to change its stance towards India. Irrespective of the outcome of government formation, Pakistan is likely to remain politically and economically unstable, which is not a good news for the region.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)</strong></p>


The results of Pakistan elections 2024 indicate that if free and fair elections had been held, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) under Imran Khan would have come to power, but this was not to the liking of the establishment/deep state (Pakistan Army).

The results of Pakistan elections 2024 indicate that if free and fair elections had been held, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) under Imran Khan would have come to power, but this was not to the liking of the establishment/deep state (Pakistan Army). It therefore skilfully played its cards well in advance by severing the identity of PTI and disqualifying Imran Khan, forcing PTI members to contest independently to ensure that they do not get the reserved seat quota for women and minority candidates and do not reach a position to form the government in spite of semblance of free and fair election. As the results poured in with PTI-backed independents galloping towards majority, some tweaking was allegedly done by establishment to keep them below the threshold level needed to come to power. PTI supporters seem to be protesting in large numbers. In 2024 elections, the establishment smartly played the game differently to ensure that every stakeholder remains well below the threshold level of claiming simple majority to form the government. This gives opportunity to the establishment to stack numbers for chosen prime minister from behind the scene, thus selecting a puppet PM who can be projected as an elected PM globally, but one who can be displaced by the establishment. The current political scene has been masterminded so that no civilian leader of Pakistan can challenge the power of the Army. Why Pakistani army remains the power centre in Pakistan? Pakistan is used to being governed by its army since its existence. Out of 77 years of its independence, Pakistan army has ruled the country directly for significant time and for the remaining period it has ruled through a 'selected' PM. One of the major reasons has been that with repeated wars since its independence, Pakistan army has been able to sell the narrative that India is its biggest existential threat and army is the only establishment that can save it from such a threat. And so all levers of power must remain with it. The ‘India threat theory’ became more pronounced and convincing to public after humiliating defeat in the 1971 war against India, resulting the country losing East Pakistan as liberated sovereign Bangladesh. Even when not ruling the country directly, the army has always maintained the over-riding authority over nation’s defence, internal security, foreign affairs and more recently over its economy. This will not change in future. The army’s narrative was backed by exposing corruption of all the politicians at opportune moments as most politicians repeatedly proved their corrupt credentials in public eye, making them unreliable to hold real power. Although army generals are no less corrupt but they have been able to control their own exposure to public, due to absolute hold over all the concerned agencies and establishments, including judiciary. Why did Pakistan army dump Imran Khan? During last election Imran Khan appeared to be the candidate 'selected' by the army. Once he challenged it over some of the issues, the clash started. This ultimately led to PTI supporters actually attacking a few army establishments. The deep state thereafter has been trying out various alternatives to keep him out of power, even if it amounts to dry-cleaning Nawaz Sharif of all his previous wrong doings and pushing him as viable option. The Pakistan army is trying to ensure that it doesn’t face any challenge from politicians. The only challenge which the army faces is from terrorist organisations like the Tehreek-e-Taliban-e-Pakistan (TTP), the Baluchistan Liberation Army. Such groups in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Baluchistan are actively attacking the Pakistan army, and this situation will not alter regardless of the outcome of the elections/political settlement. The election doesn’t bring any hope for improvement of internal security situation. Possible political outcome With a hung parliament, despite PTI-backed independent candidates and supporters claiming victory, the PML(N)’s claim of being the largest political party, may well facilitate mustering of the required numbers by encouraging the other political parties and some independents to join. The recent statement of Pakistan army chief indicates a guideline for political parties to get together to form the government. There may be some adjustments, permutations and a combination of power-sharing among the parties concerned, but a weak democratic government at the mercy of the Pakistan army will emerge to face an unprecedented economic and political crisis. In case the puppet regime fails to resolve the crisis, becomes unpopular or follows the narrative uncomfortable to the army (like improving relations with India or hindering smooth operations of terrorists), the army will have a popular leader like Imran Khan in reserve. One whose image can easily be dry-cleaned (as has been done in case of Nawaz Sharif) and be reinstated through non confidence motion at appropriate time. Why USA and China ignore democratic backsliding in Pakistan? Pakistan's strategic location and it’s control over some of the terrorist groups is still important for United States, in case it has to launch any operation against any terror organisation like Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan. USA has supported dictatorship in Pakistan historically to suit its strategic aims in Af-Pak Region and it is used to dealing with Pakistan army directly, closing its eyes to sham democratic credentials of Pakistan. The non-committal statements from US State Department indicate that whichever is the party in power, US will work with it as it knows that finally it will deal with the army/establishment, which will not change. China too needs the strategic space in Pakistan for its China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects and finds the army a useful tool as nuisance creator to India through proxy war. Both, USA and China, do not see any political leadership stable enough for long-term engagement and prefer to work with Pakistan army, whom they see as relatively reliable. Pakistan army will continue to ignore international criticism about its treatment to PTI and Imran Khan, with support of P5 member like China. How Does it Impact India? The biggest hindrance to peaceful engagement between India and Pakistan is the latter's support to the terror groups against India and its proxy war in Kashmir. All these are part of deliberate strategy of Pakistan army. Strained relations with India increase its relevance in public perception, giving it an excuse to retain all levers of power. The election results and possible political outcome does not change the pivotal role of Pakistan army in any of these matters. In view of that the election outcome does not bring any hope of better relations between India and Pakistan, unless the dire economic and internal situation in Pakistan forces the army to change its stance towards India. Irrespective of the outcome of government formation, Pakistan is likely to remain politically and economically unstable, which is not a good news for the region. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Pakistan elections 2024: Army modifies methodology of selecting PM

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<p>Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) and former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto's Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) have agreed to form the government at the Centre in Punjab, Geo News reported on Saturday (Feb 10). As per the report, PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif met Bhutto and former president Asif Ali Zardari, inviting them to work together for Pakistan.</p>

<p>The meeting happened at the residence of Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi. Citing sources, the report said that Shehbaz discussed the future government formation with Zardari and also conveyed PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif’s message. He asked the two PPP leaders to sit with the PML-N leadership for political and economic stability in Pakistan, the report added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The general elections in Pakistan took place on Thursday and the results were announced after much delay. The results of 250 of the total 265 seats have been officially announced.</p>

<p>Independent candidates who supported jailed former prime minister Imran Khan have won 99 seats, the PML-N has won 71 seats and the PPP has won 53 seats. The rest were won by small parties and other independents.</p>

<h2><strong>Sharif hints at improving ties with India</strong></h2>

<p>Nawaz Sharif said on Friday&nbsp;that his government would try to improve relations with neighbouring countries. In the recently concluded general elections, the PML-N technically emerged as the single-largest party in the National Assembly despite the fact that the number of independent candidates supporting Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was higher than any other political party.</p>

<p>"We would improve ties with the world and with our neighbours and try to solve all issues with them," said Sharif, the former three-time prime minister, as reported by news agency PTI. Sharif asked his supporters if they agreed with this remark and they backed him.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-elections-2024-nawaz-sharif-calls-upon-all-parties-to-sit-down-for-coalition-688780">Pakistan Elections 2024: Nawaz Sharif calls upon 'all parties' to 'sit down' for coalition</a></strong></p>

<p>Sharif did not directly mention India, but the word "neighbours" has significance as in his previous tenures as PM, he has tried to mend ties with India.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Sharif, Imran Khan claim victory in polls</strong></h2>

<p>Both Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan claimed victory in Thursday's general elections.</p>

<p>“Praise be to Allah, Muslim League-N is the largest single party in the country today after the elections. I understand that this is our duty to bring this country out of the whirlpool,” Sharif told his supporters on Friday, adding he would talk to other groups to form a coalition government as the PML-N had failed to win a clear majority on its own.</p>

<p>“Whoever has got the mandate, whether independents or parties, we respect the mandate they have got. We respect that from the bottom of our heart,” Sharif said and pointed out that it was necessary to sit down and form a government and take Pakistan out of the whirlpool.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Imran Khan, who is in jail and has been facing numerous cases since he was ousted as PM in April 2022, claimed victory in the elections in an audio-visual message created using artificial intelligence.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Pakistan Election Result 2024: Former PM Nawaz Sharif wins from Lahore</strong></p>

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<p>In the message that was shared on X, Khan rejected Sharif's victory claim and called on his supporters to celebrate a win that was achieved despite what he calls a crackdown on his party PTI.</p>

<h2><strong>'London plan has failed'</strong></h2>

<p>During his victory speech, Imran Khan also said that the London Plan of Nawaz Sharif failed with the massive turnout of voters.&nbsp; Addressing the citizens, Khan said, "By turning out in huge numbers and exercising your democratic right of franchise, you have laid the foundation for the restoration of the freedom to exercise citizens' rights. I congratulate you all on helping us win the elections handsomely."</p>

<p>"Nawaz Sharif is a leader of low intelligence who gave a victory speech despite his party trailing in 30 seats," he added.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir congratulated the country on the successful conduct of the elections. "Free and unhindered participation by Pakistani people to exercise their right of vote demonstrated their commitment to democracy and the rule of law as enshrined in the Constitution of Pakistan," a statement read.</p>

<p>"The constructive role played by national media, civil society, members of civil administration, and judiciary enabled the successful conduct of the largest electoral exercise in national history. Pakistan’s diverse polity and pluralism will be well-represented by a unified government of all democratic forces imbibed with national purpose," the statement added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) and former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto's Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) have agreed to form the government at the Centre in Punjab, Geo News reported on Saturday (Feb 10).

Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) and former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto's Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) have agreed to form the government at the Centre in Punjab, Geo News reported on Saturday (Feb 10). As per the report, PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif met Bhutto and former president Asif Ali Zardari, inviting them to work together for Pakistan. The meeting happened at the residence of Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi. Citing sources, the report said that Shehbaz discussed the future government formation with Zardari and also conveyed PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif’s message. He asked the two PPP leaders to sit with the PML-N leadership for political and economic stability in Pakistan, the report added. The general elections in Pakistan took place on Thursday and the results were announced after much delay. The results of 250 of the total 265 seats have been officially announced. Independent candidates who supported jailed former prime minister Imran Khan have won 99 seats, the PML-N has won 71 seats and the PPP has won 53 seats. The rest were won by small parties and other independents. Sharif hints at improving ties with India Nawaz Sharif said on Friday that his government would try to improve relations with neighbouring countries. In the recently concluded general elections, the PML-N technically emerged as the single-largest party in the National Assembly despite the fact that the number of independent candidates supporting Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was higher than any other political party. "We would improve ties with the world and with our neighbours and try to solve all issues with them," said Sharif, the former three-time prime minister, as reported by news agency PTI. Sharif asked his supporters if they agreed with this remark and they backed him. Also read | Pakistan Elections 2024: Nawaz Sharif calls upon 'all parties' to 'sit down' for coalition Sharif did not directly mention India, but the word "neighbours" has significance as in his previous tenures as PM, he has tried to mend ties with India. Sharif, Imran Khan claim victory in polls Both Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan claimed victory in Thursday's general elections. “Praise be to Allah, Muslim League-N is the largest single party in the country today after the elections. I understand that this is our duty to bring this country out of the whirlpool,” Sharif told his supporters on Friday, adding he would talk to other groups to form a coalition government as the PML-N had failed to win a clear majority on its own. “Whoever has got the mandate, whether independents or parties, we respect the mandate they have got. We respect that from the bottom of our heart,” Sharif said and pointed out that it was necessary to sit down and form a government and take Pakistan out of the whirlpool. Meanwhile, Imran Khan, who is in jail and has been facing numerous cases since he was ousted as PM in April 2022, claimed victory in the elections in an audio-visual message created using artificial intelligence. Also watch | Pakistan Election Result 2024: Former PM Nawaz Sharif wins from Lahore × In the message that was shared on X, Khan rejected Sharif's victory claim and called on his supporters to celebrate a win that was achieved despite what he calls a crackdown on his party PTI. 'London plan has failed' During his victory speech, Imran Khan also said that the London Plan of Nawaz Sharif failed with the massive turnout of voters. Addressing the citizens, Khan said, "By turning out in huge numbers and exercising your democratic right of franchise, you have laid the foundation for the restoration of the freedom to exercise citizens' rights. I congratulate you all on helping us win the elections handsomely." "Nawaz Sharif is a leader of low intelligence who gave a victory speech despite his party trailing in 30 seats," he added. Meanwhile, Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir congratulated the country on the successful conduct of the elections. "Free and unhindered participation by Pakistani people to exercise their right of vote demonstrated their commitment to democracy and the rule of law as enshrined in the Constitution of Pakistan," a statement read. "The constructive role played by national media, civil society, members of civil administration, and judiciary enabled the successful conduct of the largest electoral exercise in national history. Pakistan’s diverse polity and pluralism will be well-represented by a unified government of all democratic forces imbibed with national purpose," the statement added. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan elections: PML-N, PPP agree to form coalition govt at Centre, Punjab, says report

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<p>The results of the 2024 general elections in Pakistan started trickling in on Friday (Feb 9) after much delay. In a post on X, the country's interior ministry said that a "lack of communication" led to the late processing of results.</p>

<p>The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) announced the results of 106 out of the 265 contested seats in the national assembly by around mid-day.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to a report by Geo News, independent candidates, who were supporting&nbsp;jailed former prime minister Imran Khan won 47 seats, followed by&nbsp;Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) which won 24 seats, and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) had won 18 seats. The rest of the seats have been won by smaller parties.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nawaz Sharif won in his constituency- the NA-130- by over 171,000 votes.&nbsp;Mainstream parties in the country including Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the PPP alleged rigging in the elections.&nbsp;</p>

<h3><strong>With the results of the rest of the seats remaining, here are top updates:</strong></h3>

<p><strong>&gt;&nbsp;</strong>Nawaz Sharif has won in the NA-130 constituency while his younger brother and former PM Shehbaz Sharif has won the PP-158 seat in Lahore with 38,642 votes, preliminary results from ECP showed. Shehbaz Sharif also emerged victorious in the NA-123 seat in Lahore with 63,953 votes.</p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;Imran Khan's PTI was barred from taking part in Thursday's election, and hence his supporters contested as independent candidates. Gohar Ali Khan, the PTI's current chairperson, has won the NA-10 constituency in Buner with 110,023 votes, the ECP said.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-elections-2024-live-poll-body-starts-announcing-national-assembly-results-as-counting-underway-688441">Click here to follow all updates on the results of the Pakistan general elections</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;Mainstream political parties in Pakistan apart from the PML-N have alleged rigging in the elections. In Karachi, the PPP claimed that ballot papers were snatched from electoral staff in the PS-105 constituency, Dawn reported. In Punjab, PTI-backed candidate for Sialkot Rehana Dar said the returning officer refused to give her Form 45.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday expressed concerns about the violence on election day and the temporary suspension of mobile communications services in the South Asian country.</p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;UN Secretary-General Antonio Gueterres expressed concern about the election violence. "As Pakistan awaits the results of the elections, the secretary-general encourages all political leaders and society segments to maintain a calm atmosphere, as well as refrain from the use of violence and any actions that could increase tensions," UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/message-of-preace-to-india-former-pakistan-pm-nawaz-sharif-releases-party-manifesto-684253">Former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif's party manifesto talks of ‘message of peace’ for India, but conditions apply</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;The PTI earlier claimed that it would form governments both at the centre and in provinces. In a statement issued late Thursday, PTI chief organiser Omar Ayub Khan and PTI Parliamentary Leader in Senate Barrister Ali Zafar said that preliminary results were very encouraging for their party, showing it as convincingly leading on an overwhelming number of seats across the country.</p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;Despite heightened security in the run-up to the election and also the election day, incidents of violence were reported in Pakistan. Nine people, including two children, were killed on Thursday in bomb blasts, grenade attacks and shootings.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Pakistan elections 2024: Rivals PTI &amp; PML-N claim victory, puts up a tough fight</strong></p>

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<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;At least another 26 were killed on Wednesday in two explosions near electoral candidates' offices in the southwestern province of Balochistan. Islamic State later claimed responsibility for these attacks.</p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;As the full election results are awaited, an analyst told the news agency Reuters that no party would have a majority and a coalition government is expected. "So we are looking at what everybody has anticipated that is a coalition government, which would probably be unstable, weak," Marvin Weinbaum, the director of Afghanistan and Pakistan Studies at the Middle East Institute, said.</p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;"If it does, the results do come in, and it does look like the independents are the majority, the big loser won't necessarily be the PML-N (Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz), it will be the army. Because the army really has staked its reputation on its ability to deliver this vote, now it hasn’t done that openly, but that is really what is involved here,” Weinbaum said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The results of the 2024 general elections in Pakistan started trickling in on Friday (Feb 9) after much delay. In a post on X, the country's interior ministry said that a "lack of communication" led to the late processing of results.

The results of the 2024 general elections in Pakistan started trickling in on Friday (Feb 9) after much delay. In a post on X, the country's interior ministry said that a "lack of communication" led to the late processing of results. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) announced the results of 106 out of the 265 contested seats in the national assembly by around mid-day. According to a report by Geo News, independent candidates, who were supporting jailed former prime minister Imran Khan won 47 seats, followed by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) which won 24 seats, and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) had won 18 seats. The rest of the seats have been won by smaller parties. Nawaz Sharif won in his constituency- the NA-130- by over 171,000 votes. Mainstream parties in the country including Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the PPP alleged rigging in the elections. With the results of the rest of the seats remaining, here are top updates: > Nawaz Sharif has won in the NA-130 constituency while his younger brother and former PM Shehbaz Sharif has won the PP-158 seat in Lahore with 38,642 votes, preliminary results from ECP showed. Shehbaz Sharif also emerged victorious in the NA-123 seat in Lahore with 63,953 votes. > Imran Khan's PTI was barred from taking part in Thursday's election, and hence his supporters contested as independent candidates. Gohar Ali Khan, the PTI's current chairperson, has won the NA-10 constituency in Buner with 110,023 votes, the ECP said. Click here to follow all updates on the results of the Pakistan general elections > Mainstream political parties in Pakistan apart from the PML-N have alleged rigging in the elections. In Karachi, the PPP claimed that ballot papers were snatched from electoral staff in the PS-105 constituency, Dawn reported. In Punjab, PTI-backed candidate for Sialkot Rehana Dar said the returning officer refused to give her Form 45. > United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday expressed concerns about the violence on election day and the temporary suspension of mobile communications services in the South Asian country. > UN Secretary-General Antonio Gueterres expressed concern about the election violence. "As Pakistan awaits the results of the elections, the secretary-general encourages all political leaders and society segments to maintain a calm atmosphere, as well as refrain from the use of violence and any actions that could increase tensions," UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said. Also read | Former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif's party manifesto talks of ‘message of peace’ for India, but conditions apply > The PTI earlier claimed that it would form governments both at the centre and in provinces. In a statement issued late Thursday, PTI chief organiser Omar Ayub Khan and PTI Parliamentary Leader in Senate Barrister Ali Zafar said that preliminary results were very encouraging for their party, showing it as convincingly leading on an overwhelming number of seats across the country. > Despite heightened security in the run-up to the election and also the election day, incidents of violence were reported in Pakistan. Nine people, including two children, were killed on Thursday in bomb blasts, grenade attacks and shootings. Also watch | Pakistan elections 2024: Rivals PTI & PML-N claim victory, puts up a tough fight × > At least another 26 were killed on Wednesday in two explosions near electoral candidates' offices in the southwestern province of Balochistan. Islamic State later claimed responsibility for these attacks. > As the full election results are awaited, an analyst told the news agency Reuters that no party would have a majority and a coalition government is expected. "So we are looking at what everybody has anticipated that is a coalition government, which would probably be unstable, weak," Marvin Weinbaum, the director of Afghanistan and Pakistan Studies at the Middle East Institute, said. > "If it does, the results do come in, and it does look like the independents are the majority, the big loser won't necessarily be the PML-N (Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz), it will be the army. Because the army really has staked its reputation on its ability to deliver this vote, now it hasn’t done that openly, but that is really what is involved here,” Weinbaum said. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan elections 2024 top updates: Results trickle in after unusual delay, parties allege rigging