General Election 2024
Live Reporting
ISPR hopes polls to further strengthen democracy
RAWALPINDI (Dunya News) – The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) hoped that the general elections 2024 will serve as a catalyst for further strengthening democracy in Pakistan, and that it will pave the way for the realization of the aspirations of the people of Pakistan.
ISPR in a statement said that sacrifices rendered by the security officials for the conduct of peaceful elections would not be in vain.
Nawaz, Bilawal lead as provisional results trickle in
LAHORE (Dunya News) – Preliminary results of the 2024 general elections have started trickling in from different national and provincial constituencies as vote count began in evening following conclusion of daylong polling across the country on Thursday.
As per provisional results – subject to verification and confirmation – coming in shortly after polls closed, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, Pakistan Peoples Party and independent candidates [mainly those affiliated with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf] are leading the electoral race in the national and provincial assemblies.
CPJ condemns cellular and internet disruptions
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has condemned the suspension of internet and cellular services across Pakistan.
“Cutting off mobile communication services on an election day and preventing journalists from reporting from polling stations severely undermines citizens’ rights to stay informed,” said CPJ’s Asia Program Coordinator Beh Lih Yi.
“These heavy-handed measures raise serious questions about Pakistan’s commitment to democracy and human rights. A free and fair election requires independent media reporting and unhampered access to information.”
Interior Ministry says cellular services partially restored across country
The Interior Ministry has said mobile phone services have been partially restored in parts of the country.
Earlier in the day, the ministry said mobile phone and internet services were suspended across Pakistan owing to security threats.
In a post on X a little after 8pm, it said cellular services have been restored in Bhakkar, Sargodha, Taxila, Gujar Khan Chakri, Loralai, Sibi, Jhal Magsi and all of Sindh except Malir and Karachi.
‘We are winning, let us win,’ says JI
Jamaat-i-Islami has demanded that the results of the polls should not be “imposed” on the public. “We are winning, let us win,” the party said.
ECP spokesperson says results to be announced on time
ECP spokesperson Haroon Shinwari has said the results of the elections would be announced on time, adding that internet outages would not affect the electoral watchdog’s system.
Pakistan witnessed a countrywide internet and cellular outage during the electoral process.
Earlier in the day, the Interior Ministry said services were suspended owing to the security situation.
Hafiz Naeemur Rehman says JI workers injured outside polling stations
In a video statement released on X, JI leader Hafiz Naeemur Rehman expressed concern over deteriorating conditions in the city.
He alleged that JI workers were fired upon and injured outside polling stations in NA-232. Rehman claimed that the MQM-P occupied several locations, including Shah Faisal No 2, Malir Khokhrapar, and Nazimabad No 2.
Rehman criticised the presence of Rangers, asserting that their failure to intervene in such incidents was shameful. The JI leader further stated that he tried to contact DG Rangers but his calls went unanswered.
— Naeem ur Rehman (@NaeemRehmanEngr) February 8, 2024
Vote count in full swing after daylong polls end amid security
ISLAMABAD / LAHORE (Reuters / Web Desk) - Polling across the country concluded in a largely peaceful manner, except sporadic incidents of violence, as there are varying reports about turnout.
Vote count began in the polling stations as the PTI's plea for extending time of casting ballot at some places was turned down on Thursday.
People turned out in droves in many parts of Punjab and, eyewitnesses say, the young and the old showed a great deal of enthusiasm. There were long queues of people at some of the polling stations in Lahore, while some polling stations did not have too many people.
Aseefa urges people inside polling stations to vote
PPP’s Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari has urged people inside polling stations to exercise their right to vote.
“Stand firm and ask for your right to vote,” she said.
— Aseefa B Zardari (@AseefaBZ) February 8, 2024
PTI demands ECP extend polling time
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) demanded the Election Commission of Pakistan extend the polling time by an hour.
"The ECP should extend the polling time till 6 pm," the party urged.
PTI chief organiser Umar Ayub lauded voters who visited polling stations despite hurdles like internet closure and suspension of mobile phone services. He asked party's polling agents to submit an application demanding an extension in polling time.
Celebrities share pictures on social media after casting vote
(Web Desk) – It is the elections day. Pakistanis are voting for their favourite candidates. In this regard, many celebrities and esteemed personalities including sportspersons have urged their fellow countrymen to exercise their right to vote.
Many showbiz stars have shared their photos on their social media handles after casting their vote.
1 – Atiqa Odho
The actor shared a pic of his family members with her. She posed with a smiley face with her relatives.
Pakistan election 2024: Artwork on trucks dwindles as posters take over
PESHAWAR (Reuters) – Colourful trucks with paintings of political leaders that once dotted Pakistan's roads and highways ahead of elections are missing this poll season, replaced mostly by the printing on posters and banners.
Kaleidoscopic murals of flowers, Islamic motifs, calligraphy, snow-capped Himalayan peaks, local mosques and popular figures are renowned examples of Pakistani truck art.
Before printing posters became widespread, truck paintings of leaders, particularly in the run-up to elections, were a much sought after campaign medium.
IPP's Jahangir Tareen urges public to fulfill voting obligation
LODHRAN (Dunya News) - Jahangir Tareen, the Chairman of Istehkam e Pakistan Party (IPP), emphasized the importance of voting as both an obligation and a power while urging the public not to miss the opportunity to cast their ballots.
Speaking to the media after casting his vote in Lodhran, Tareen commended the smooth polling process and expressed optimism regarding the victory of all IPP candidates.
Asserting the IPP's commitment to fostering a stable government, Tareen highlighted the pivotal role of political stability in ensuring a thriving economy and national development.
He condemned terrorism and denounced vicious attacks on innocent citizens, urging unity to eradicate the scourge of terrorism from the country while being asked about internet outages on account of security concerns.
He affirmed his readiness to provide answers regarding the party expected to form the government and the potential prime minister, after Feb 8 polls.
Wasim Akram, Shaheen Afridi, other cricketers urge people to vote for better Pakistan
LAHORE (Web Desk) - Pakistani cricketers have urged the people to cast their votes for the better future of the country.
The polling is underway across the country where the people can exercise their right to vote till 5 pm.
Former captain of Pakistan Cricket Team Wasim Akram urged the people to use the power of vote and choose the best representatives.
Barrister Gohar urges public to cast vote as its a freedom day
BUNER (Dunya News/Web Desk) - Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Barrister Gohar has called upon citizens to exercise their democratic right by leaving their homes to cast their votes.
Gohar cast his vote in the National Assembly constituency NA-10 Buner. Amidst a backdrop of anticipation and excitement, Gohar underscored the significance of active participation in the electoral process.
"This is a day of independence after much-awaited anticipation," remarked Gohar to the media, urging the public to seize the opportunity to make their voices heard through the ballot box.
Bilawal says his mandate can't be given to anyone else
LARKANA (Web News/Dunya News) – PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Thursday said his mandate could not be handed over to anyone else and added that the people had every right to cast their votes.
Talking to media at a polling station which visited to poll his vote, Bilawal asked the people to leave their homes and exercise their basic right, as he opined that suspending mobile phone service would result in a low turnout while also making it difficult to contact the returning officers.
A snapshot of key contests in election
By Ahad Khan
The country is going to the polls today (Thursday) for the much-needed democratic transition through the general election.
According to the ECP, around 18,000 hopefuls are in the electoral ring. It goes without saying that denial of contest to the PTI founder – one of the staunchest advocates of transparent elections – makes the whole endeavour somewhat lackadaisical.
Still, there are few contests to look out for. Let's delve into the interesting contests of political heavyweights in the run from various constituencies.
Nawaz seeks clear mandate, asks people to leave for polling stations
LAHORE (Dunya News) - Former Prime Minister and PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif has sought clear mandate as the polling is underway across the country.
The three-time prime minister was speaking to media on Thursday after casting his vote in Lahore’s constituency of NA-128.
It is a developing story...
Commonwealth Observer Group leader stresses importance of vote casting over internet connectivity
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - In his role as the leader of the Commonwealth Observer Group (COG), former Nigerian President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan emphasized the significance of traditional vote casting methods over reliance on internet connectivity during electoral processes.
Speaking from Islamabad, Jonathan highlighted that while internet connectivity might not be essential for voting, disruptions to online services could lead to delays or consequences in the announcement of poll results.
Bilawal demands restoration of internet, mobile phone service
KARACHI (Dunya News) – Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has demanded of authorities to immediately restore internet and mobile phone services in the country.
In a message on social media website X, the PPP chairman said mobile phone services must be restored immediately.
Mobile phone services must be restored immediately across the country have asked my party to approach both ECP and the courts for this purpose.
— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) February 8, 2024
Polling delayed in some constituencies
LAHORE (Dunya News/Web Desk) – Polling in various constituencies across the country could not start in time due to various reasons.
There has been a delay at a polling station of National Assembly constituency NA-48 Shehzad Town in Rawalpindi. Dunya News reported that a large number of voters were queued outside the polling station and the staff was finalising arrangements.
In Karachi’s constituency NA-250, staff could not reach polling stations number 262 to 265 causing a delay in start of voting.
Similar situation prevailed in the polling station number 77 of NA-246 Orangi Town of Karachi, and in Ghousia Colony stations 280 and 281 of the constituency NA-246.
In capital city of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Peshawar, polling process could not start at the women's polling station in Municipal Intercollegiate polling station number 83.
Polling has also been delayed at various polling stations due to the cold weather in Buner. However, polling could not start in Station No. 109 Girls Degree College, Digger, Buner, as election staff failed to turn up in time.
Polling Day: Google joins Pakistan's electoral buzz with special doodle
LAHORE (Web Desk) - It is polling day in Pakistan today (Thursday) and Google has also joined the electoral buzz with special doodle.
The special doodle shows a green ballot box decorated with the Pakistani flag and a ballot paper. The doodle perfectly symbolised the ongoing democratic process in the country.
Google used to create interesting doodles on the occasion of various cultural and social events globally.
PPP and JI - the two rivals in Karachi - question blocking communications on polling day
KARACHI (Web Desk/Dunya TV) – The PPP and the JI on Thursday blasted the government over suspending the mobile phone and internet service across the country at a time when millions of people are supposed to reach polling stations for casting ballot.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari led the criticism by demanding immediate restoration of the service, the move is causing great hardships not only to the political parties and candidates but also voters.
“I have directed the party to approach the courts and the ECP” to get the decision reversed, Bilawal said in a statement.
Disruption of Internet services hits the 'Transparency' of Elections"
The Human Rights Council of Pakistan says shutting down mobile and internet services on election day was “sad and a cause for concern”.
“This decision of the government will affect the transparency of the election,” the group said. “Provision of mobile services on voting day is a basic requirement in Pakistan.”
The government of Pakistan is shutting down mobile service and internet services in various cities of Pakistan. This is sad and cause for concern. The Human Rights Council of Pakistan expresses its concern over this move by the government. This decision of the government will…
— Human Rights Council of Pakistan (@HRCPakistan) February 8, 2024
How EMS will ensure fail-safe polling results
ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) – The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has developed a modern Election Management System (EMS) to provide election results on the polling day.
The software designed by a private company will work even without the internet connection.
The system developed with a huge cost of Rs320 million will be used only on the election day, carrying data of Forms 45 and 47 after completion of the election process.
There will be three operators in each provincial assembly constituency and four for the national assembly constituencies.
Every returning officer will be given a laptop and Nadra officials will also be present to feed the data in the system. The laptops will be operating in offline mode on a local area network (LAN).
The system will be displaying results through multimedia to the public at prominent places by laptops.
The presiding officers will be sharing results with the returning officers over mobile phones and submit the results by themselves.
The ECP has dismissed concerns about risk of EMS hacking.
Polling Day: Shaheen Afridi urges people to vote for better Pakistan
KARACHI (Web Desk) - Star cricketer Shaheen Shah Afridi in a message on X has urged people to go for vote to elect their representatives.
The left-arm fast bowler and T20 captain has said casting a vote is a national obligation and the masses must cast their vote in the best interest of the country.
The impact of communication blackout on polling
Due to mobile service suspension on polling day:
— Syed Ali Abbas Zaidi (@Ali_Abbas_Zaidi) February 8, 2024
- voters can't coordinate with each other
- ECP's SMS service with vital info not accessible
- candidates can't coordinate with Polling Agents
- voters can't inform ECP of irregularities
WHAT FARCE IS THIS?#Election2024pakistan
Pakistani cricketers contribute
Voting is not only our right — it is our power!
— Shaheen Shah Afridi (@iShaheenAfridi) February 7, 2024
Go and vote tomorrow for better Pakistan InshaAllah. Pakistan Zindabad
February 8 is an important day for people of Pakistan. Somewhere inside us we all want to change our fate, our system and way of life and when we vote we use that power to choose the best. It’s our right, so go out and use that power of vote. Pakistan zindabad
— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) February 7, 2024
Election 2024 shouldn’t be a selection… Make sure we all vote for better Pakistan . My request to all passionate Pakistanis is that Ur vote is ur power use it wisely.. every vote counts.. #Election2024 Pakistan Zindabad
— Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) February 7, 2024
Shehbaz Sharif casts vote in NA-128, urges public to vote for development and bright future
LAHORE (Dunya News) - Former Prime Minister and President of the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N), Shehbaz Sharif, exercised his electoral right today in the National Assembly Constituency NA-128.
He cast his vote at polling station no. 82 of NA-128 .
Addressing media, Shehbaz Sharif advised the public to vote with the vision of fostering development and securing a bright future for Pakistan. He assured voters of comprehensive security measures in place to ensure their safety throughout the electoral process.
Murtaza Solangi cast his vote in NA-46
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Murtaza Solangi, the caretaker information minister has cast his vote in National Assembly constituency NA-46 Islamabad.
The information minister cast the first vote in the polling station of Islamabad by reaching before start of the polling.
Murtaza Solangi advised the voters to come out from their homes and cast vote, stated "voting is a national duty that every responsible citizen must fulfill. Free and transparent elections strengthen democracy in the country."
Solangi urged the public to cast their votes for a bright future for themselves and their generations. He hoped that the voting process would be peaceful and organized throughout the country.
There are a total of 44 candidates contesting in constituency NA-46 Islamabad I. The total number of registered voters in this constituency is 350,581, with 166,656 female voters and 183,925 male voters.
There are a total 1033 polling booths established in constituency NA-46 Islamabad I.
Pakistan votes amid tight security after twin blasts
ISLAMABAD (Reuters) – Pakistan temporarily suspended mobile phone services on Thursday to strengthen security as voting began in the country's national election, the interior ministry said.
The government's decision comes amidst a rise in militant attacks in the run-up to the election and a day after jailed former prime minister and the PTI founder urged his supporters to wait outside polling booths after voting until results are announced.
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Over 5,000 running for 266 National Assembly seats
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Polling began for national and four provincial assemblies on Thursday to elect representatives for a democratic term of five years.
The voting started at 8:00am and will continue till 5:00pm without any interval. At least 12.8 million registered voters are expected to exercise their right to vote to elect members on 265 National Assembly and 590 provincial assembly seats.
Pakistan election 2024: A perilous journey to vote
DERA ISMAIL KHAN (Reuters) - Rehmat Ullah Mehsud, 59, and three of his relatives are taking a perilous road journey to the most dangerous place in Pakistan to cast votes on Thursday in the general election.
Mehsud said he and the others will travel over 150 km (95 miles) to his hometown in the South Waziristan region from Dera Ismail Khan city, where his family moved 20 years ago to escape an area that had become a hotbed of militancy.
Tens of thousands of other residents have also fled the region, because of the militant attacks.
Won't issue any directives about internet services: CEC
ISLAMABAD (Web Desk/Dunya News) – Chief Election Commissioner Sultan Sikandar Raja on Thursday said they won’t issue any instruction to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) regarding the internet services.
It’s developing story. Details to follow
Internet, mobile service disrupted in parts of country
(Dunya News) - Internet and mobile service is disrupted in parts of the country just a few minutes before the start of the polling, Dunya News reported on Thursday.
Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta and other areas are experiencing partial suspension of internet and mobile service.
With the suspension of the facility, citizens are facing inconvenience to communicate with their loved ones.
According to sources, the suspension is temporary and the step was taken to ensure law and order situation during the polling.
Voting for general elections 2024 begins
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Polling begins for National Assembly and four provincial assemblies across the country on Thursday to elect representatives for a democratic term of five years
The voting started at 8:00am and will continue till 5:00pm without any interval. At least 12.8 million people are expected to exercise their right to vote to elect members on 265 National Assembly and 590 provincial assembly seats.
ECP to ensure peaceful and transparent polls: Solangi
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Caretaker Minister for Information, Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Murtaza Solangi on Wednesday said that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) would ensure free, fair and transparent elections in a peaceful manner across the country on Thursday.
The minister told a German TV, that all registered political parties were given equal opportunities for contesting the elections.
He said the caretaker government had shown full commitment to its mandate and role to assist the ECP in terms of security, and financial and administrative support.
Pakistan closes border crossings with Iran, Afghanistan for security during elections
(Web Desk) – Pakistan has closed its border crossings with Afghanistan and Iran for both cargo and pedestrians to ensure complete security during the general elections scheduled for tomorrow (Thursday).
The Foreign Office confirmed this development on its social media platform X.
The FO announced that normal operations would resume on Friday.
"To ensure full security during the general elections to be held in Pakistan on 8 Feb 2024, border crossings with Afghanistan and Iran, would remain closed both for cargo and pedestrians. Normal operations would resume on 9 Feb 2024," the FO stated in the post.
Controversial elections to fuel political instability, warns Kaira
GUJRAT (Dunya News) – Prominent PPP leader Qamar Zaman Kaira on Wednesday warned that if the Feb 8 election becomes as controversial as the previous one, it will lead towards political instability rather than stability.
Speaking to a group of reporters, Kaira expressed that while the current election seems different from Pakistan's previous ones, "we still should expect the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to lead us towards a better election".
Kaira noted that since the day Nawaz Sharif came back to Pakistan, the entire media is suggesting that he is being favoured. "We are a political party, and if someone else is being favoured by blocking our path, then it is our right to protest."
Cold, dry weather forecast on election day
ISLAMABAD (APP) – The upper parts of the country will remain in the grip of cold wave conditions on Election Day, Thursday, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).
Cold winds are also expected to blow across upper Punjab within the next 24 hours.
The synoptic situation indicates that continental air is prevailing over most parts of the country.
The PMD stated, "Mainly cold and dry weather is anticipated in most regions, with very cold conditions expected in the upper parts."
Shallow fog may occur at isolated locations in northeast Punjab during the morning hours.
In the past 24 hours, cold and dry weather has dominated most parts of the country.
However, rain has been recorded at isolated areas in south Punjab, northeast Balochistan and Thatta.
Shallow fog has also been observed in a few plain areas of northeast Punjab.
Country goes to polls amid a myriad of challenges
By Salman Khan
LAHORE – The country is set to elect public representatives today in the 12th general election mired in a plethora of challenges.
The powers that be grapple with a host of challenges, especially mounting security concerns, which can be borne out by twin blasts in Balochistan a day (Wednesday) ahead of the polls.
Several blasts and attacks on political contenders in the run-up to the polls and tanking economy pose a challenge to country’s security and administrative apparatus.
