Election 2024
Live Reporting
Pakistani authorities should investigate election irregularities: EU
(Web Desk) - In response to claims of election tampering in Pakistan, the European Union has urged the authorities to guarantee a prompt and comprehensive investigation of all documented irregularities in the elections and to execute the suggestions of the forthcoming EU Election Expert Mission report.
“The EU welcomes the increased number of women registered to vote compared to the last elections,” Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said in a statement on Friday.
US expresses alarm over Pakistan electoral process
(Web Desk) - The US has expressed alarm over claims of vote-rigging and questioned the ‘undue restrictions’ imposed throughout Pakistan's election process.
After Thursday's election, candidates who supported imprisoned PTI chairman were leading in the vote tally.
The independent candidates linked with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was doing better than anticipated in spite of a crackdown on the party, yet following a period of political horse trading, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) was still predicted to form the next government.
BAP's Sadiq Sanjrani secures victory in PB-32 Chagai
(Web Desk) – Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) candidate Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani has won the Balochistan Assembly election from PB-32 Chagai.
According to unofficial results, Sanjrani secured 19,091 votes, while his competitor, Mir Amanullah Natezi of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Pakistan (JUI-P), could only clinch 17,178 votes.
Triumph of hope and resilience
The trumpeted general election in Pakistan are over and results from the length and breadth of the country continue to trickle in.
Barring few places, the contestants in most constituencies are at variance about the outcome and pledge to slug it out at all possible fora. After all, the stakes are high in what can be described as the ‘fate-changing’ event of the country.
The success trajectory of independent candidates, especially those backed by the embattled PTI, comes as a surprise for the voters.
In post election speech, Nawaz seeks political unity for better future
LAHORE (Dunya News) – PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif has proposed forming a government by uniting all political groups, stating that Pakistan cannot afford any confrontation at this point in time.
In his post-election speech, the former three-time prime minister emphasised the need for resolving all challenges facing the country, saying, “Everyone has to sit together. This is everyone's Pakistan. Everyone has to come together to get it out of turmoil.”
Setback for Nawaz Sharif in Mansehra's NA-15 constituency
MANSEHRA (Dunya News) – Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif has faced defeat in NA- 15, Mansehra.
According to unofficial results, PTI-backed independent candidate Prince Muhammad Gastasab Khan has secured the seat.
Gustasab Khan got 105,249 votes while Nawaz Sharif clinched 80,382 votes.
LHC bars ECP to issue election result of NA-128 after petition filed
LAHORE (Dunya News) – The Lahore High Court (LHC) has barred the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) from the issuance of election result of Lahore’s NA-128 constituency.
Taking up a petition filed by advocate Salman Akram Raja, a PTI-backed election candidate, contesting the election result of the NA-128 constituency, LHC’s Justice Ali Baqar Najafi ordered the ECP not to issue the election result.
The court also put the Election Commission of Pakistan and Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party’s Awn Saqlain Chaudhry on notice for Feb 12.
PML-N heavyweight Ahsan Iqbal bags NA-76 Narowal seat
(Web Desk) – PML-N heavyweight Ahsan Iqbal has won the election for National Assembly constituency of NA-76 Narowal-II.
According to provisional results, Iqbal bagged 136,279 votes, while PTI-backed independent candidate Javed Safdar Kahloon could only clinch 109,309 votes.
Following his victory, Iqbal took to social media platform X and thanked the constituents of Narowal, Zafarwal and Shakargarh for their support.
— Ahsan Iqbal (@betterpakistan) February 9, 2024
PPP secures simple majority in Sindh Assembly
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has secured a simple majority in Sindh Assembly and has enough numbers to form the provincial government.
According to the details, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has released the results of 85 Sindh constituencies that showed the party secured a simple majority in the province.
The party has won 71 general seats and will be able to form its government in the province.
Hoti resigns from ANP's senior vice presidency
PESHAWAR (Dunya News) – Ameer Haider Khan Hoti has resigned as the senior vice president of the Awami National Party (ANP).
The ANP leader announced his resignation as the senior vice president in a social media post on X.
Hoti claimed the responsibility for his defeat from his ancestral constituency [of NA-22 Mardan in the elections], acknowleding that the electorate did not pose confidence in him.
Ali Musa Gilani defeats Meher Bano Qureshi in NA-151
MULTAN (Dunya News) - According to the unofficial result released, PPP's Syed Ali Musa Gilani was declared victorious from the NA-151 constituency of Multan who got 79,080 votes defeating Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf backed Meher Bano Qureshi wo stood second with 71,649 votes.
Malik Abdul Ghaffar Dogar of Pakistan Muslim League-N is in the third position with 71,463 votes.
Pakistanis resort to memes amidst slow election results
(Web Desk) - Elections concluded on February 8 and, as the country awaits the results, some amazing content has been posted on social media to keep the people occupied.
These are a few of the fave tweets from election day and the majority of which are not political.
It is going to start out by making fun of Selena Gomez because, let's face it, she enjoys being the focus of attention—even when lives are at risk. Some people are aware that they were destined to be stars.
NA-71 Sialkot: Khawaja Asif clinches win over Rehana Dar
SIALKOT (Dunya News) – Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) candidate Khawaja Muhammad Asif has stunned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) backed candidate Rehana Imtiaz Dar in NA-71 Sialkot in general elections 2024.
Mr Asif, who was contesting elections from his stronghold, bagged 118,566 votes while Rehana Dar, who is mother of former PTI leader Usman, grabbed 100,272 votes, according to unofficial and unconfirmed results.
The PML-N also shared a post on social media platform X, showing the former foreign minister receiving congratulations from people.
Bilawal's dream to win from Lahore shattered as Tarar clinches NA-127
LAHORE (Web Desk) - The dream of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to win election from Lahore was shattered despite the fact that the party tried hard to clinch his seat from the provincial capital.
PML-N firebrand leader Attaullah Tarar grabbed the NA-127 seat by securing 98,210 votes. PTI-backed Zaheer Abbas Khokhar got 82,230 votes and stood at number two.
Shockingly, PPP chairman could only get 15,005 votes and lost the seat with a huge margin.
Awn Chaudhry upsets Salman Akram Raja in NA-128
LAHORE (Dunya News) – In another major upset, PTI-backed Independent candidate Salman Akram Raja had to face defeat at the hands of IPP candidate Awn Chaudhry in NA-128 (Lahore), as per unconfirmed and unofficial results.
Awn Chaudhry bagged 172,576 votes whereas Salman Akram Raja could manage to secure 159,024 votes.
It may be recalled that in NA-128 Istehkam-e- Pakistan Party (IPP) had made seat adjustment with Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) and latter had not fielded its candidate in the said constituency against Awn Chaudhry.
Independent candidates trailing as PML-N triumphs in Punjab
LAHORE (Dunya News) - Unofficial results from the Punjab Assembly elections have revealed a significant victory for the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N), with independent candidates trailing behind in several constituencies.
As per the unofficial results, PML-N has established a commanding lead in 297 constituencies of the Punjab Assembly, securing victory in 32 seats. Meanwhile, independent candidates have emerged as significant contenders, clinching 13 seats.
ECP fails again to develop a reliable system to announce election results
LAHORE (Web Desk) – The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has failed again to deliver in time results of elections despite tall claims of no reliance on internet like its Elec¬tion Management System (EMS) in 2018.
The incompetence of the watchdog’s staff hampered election staff to upload results in time as a result of which 37 results could be announced in 18 hours after closure of polling on Thursday.
In the evening, an ECP official embarrassingly said that the presiding officers would now “physically” send the results of their polling stations to returning officers, where they would be transmitted “once internet service is restored.”
Multiple challenges face winner of general election
ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - Pakistan held a national election on Thursday to elect a new government, with multiple crises plaguing the country.
Here are some of the challenges that will confront the government that takes charge:
Pakistan narrowly averted sovereign default last summer through a last-gasp $3 billion bailout from the IMF — but the lender’s support ends in March, following which officials believe a new, extended programme will be needed. N
NA-10 Buner:
PTI-backed candidate Barrister Gohar Ali Khan won National Assembly seat NA-10 Buner, according to unofficial results announced by the returning officer/ECP. He defeated ANP’s Rauf Khan by a big margin. Gohar polled 110,023 votes while Rauf could get 30,302 votes.
NA-129: Dad Mian Azhar retains son Hammad's constituency
LAHORE (Dunya News) – PTI-backed independent candidate Mian Muhammad Azhar, a former Punjab governor, defeated PML-N candidate Mian Nauman by a big margin in the National Assembly constituency NA-129 of Lahore.
According to unofficial results of Thursday’s polling announced on Friday, he polled 103,718 votes while PML-N candidate Hafiz Nauman could get 71,540 votes.
It may be recalled Hammad Azhar had won the constituency in 2018 election bagging 105,734 votes.
Setback to PML-N as stalwart Kh Saad Rafique loses seat to PTI-backed Latif Khosa
LAHORE (Dunya News) - The election results brought many surprises on Friday morning as heavyweights lost the battle to PTI-backed independent candidates.
A similar political upset was reported in Lahore as PML-N stalwart and former federal minister Khawaja Saad Rafique lost his seat to PTI-backed independent candidate Sardar Latif Khosa.
According to the election results, the renowned lawyer and PTI-backed Latif Khosa grabbed 1,17109 votes from NA-122 constituency of Lahore.
Khawaja Saad Rafique of PML-N could get 77,907 votes in the closely watched contest.
The defeat of PML-N veteran with a huge margin of around 40,000 votes is a setback to the party in its stronghold of Lahore.
IPP's Jahangir Tareen loses lock, stock and barrel
LAHORE (Dunya News) - Jahangir Tareen, the Chairman of Istehkam e Pakistan Party (IPP), faced defeat in the general elections, failing to secure victory in both constituencies of the National Assembly.
Tareen contested from two National Assembly constituencies, NA-149 and NA-155 Lodhran-2, but was unable to clinch victory as per unofficial results.
The results from 369 polling stations in Lodhran revealed that PML-N candidate Sadiqque Khan Baloch emerged victorious in NA-155 with 117,671 votes, while Tareen garnered only 71,128 votes.
Similarly, Tareen suffered defeat in NA-149, securing 50,166 votes. The PTI-backed independent candidate, Malik Amir Dogar, triumphed in NA-149 with 143,613 votes.
Rizwan Hans, the PPP candidate, secured the third position in NA-149 with 14,625 votes, according to unofficial results.
Jahangir Tareen's defeat in both constituencies marks a significant setback for his party and raises questions about his future political endeavors.
GE 2024: Showbiz stars join election buzz as celebrities share polling day selfies
(Web Desk) – It was election day in Pakistan yesterday. 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.
Securing personnel and ballots caused delay in result announcement, clarifies interior ministry
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The Federal Ministry of Interior put doubts at rest on Friday about delay in the announcement of election results saying that it was “due to securing the personnel and the ballots.”
The ministry, in a statement, said “now the situation is satisfactory and the results are expected to flow.”
The ministry said that the media and public concerns about late processing of the results to respective ROs have been reviewed.
“This has been attributed to lack of communication which was result of precautions taken to ensure foolproof security situation.
“The protocols, in ensuring safe custody of both personnel and ballots, are elaborate which consumed significant time.
The situation is now satisfactory and results are expected to be flowing in continuously.”
PML-N to form government in centre and Punjab: Marriyum Aurangzeb
LAHORE (Dunya News) - Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) Information Secretary Marriyum Aurangzeb said that the party will form government both in the centre and Punjab.
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, the senior PML-N leader said that results are being received and compiled in the party’s election cell.
Sharifs win national and provincial assembly seats; Barrister Gohar also returns
LAHORE (Web Desk) – Prime ministerial candidate and former premier Nawaz Sharif was declared winner in the National Assembly constituency NA-130 (Lahore), according to unofficial results announced on Friday morning.
The PML-N chief bagged 171,024 votes against former PTI minister and independent candidate Dr Yasmin Rashid’s 115,043.
However, in a surprising turn of events, Nawaz faced defeat against independent candidate Shahzada Gastasap in NA-15 Mansehra.
In NA-11 Shangla:
Independent candidate Syed Fardeen Khan is in the first place, the Amir Muqam of PML-N is in the second place.
NA-7 Lower Dir:
Independent candidate Mehboob Shah is leading, while Muhammad Ismail of Jamaat-e-Islami is on second position.
NA-6 Lower Dir:
According to the unofficial results, Muhammad Basheer Khan is on the first position in NA-6 Lower Dir, while Siraj-ul-Haq is behind him.
In NA-5 Upper Dir:
Sahibzada Sibghatullah is leading the vote count and Jamaat-e-Islami's Sahibzada Tariqullah is second.
NA-4 Swat:
Independent candidate Sohail Sultan is on the first position while PTIP's candidate Mehmood Khan is on the second position.
NA-3 Swat:
Independent candidate Salim Rehman is ahead in NA-3 Swat, while ANP's Sherbar Khan is second.
NA-2 Swat:
Independent candidate Amjad Ali Khan is leading in NA-2 Swat, while Amir Muqam of PML-N is second.
NA-225 Thatta:
According to the unofficial results, PPP candidate Sadiq Ali Memon was declared successful.
National Assembly constituency NA-202 Khairpur-1:
Nafisa Shah, the candidate of Pakistan People's Party was declared successful, according to the unofficial results.
'Buyers' of independents have reached Islamabad: Faisal Vawda
(Web Desk) - Former senator Vawda has said the ‘sale’ of independent winners has begun and their ‘buyers’ have reached Islamabad.
Speaking at a private TV channel transmission, the PTI former leader said, “Nawaz Show has come to an end and Go Nawaz Go happened."
He said it was surprising that MQM-P was leading in more than expected seats.
'The people of Pakistan have spoken, loudly and clearly': Ex-Pakistan PM Abbasi
The people of Pakistan have spoken, loudly and clearly; any attempt to manipulate their mandate will result in unsustainable chaos.
— Shahid Khaqan Abbasi (@SKhaqanAbbasi) February 8, 2024
The heat of the electoral process has passed; it is time to allow the country to heal.
The political leadership - Mian Nawaz Sharif, Asif Ali…
Early Pakistan vote results show rivals neck and neck
ISLAMABAD (Reuters) – Pakistan's main political parties were tied neck and neck in early results on Friday after vote counts in the general election were hit by unusual delays that the government blamed on a suspension of mobile phone services.
The South Asian country is struggling to recover from an economic crisis while it grapples with rising militant violence in a deeply polarised political environment.
Khawaja Asif accepts good turnout in favour of PTI-backed candidates
(Web Desk) - PMLN leader Khawaja Asif has said there is no doubt PTI voters came out to vote the candidates backed by their party.
Talking to a TV channel, the PML-N leader said, "There was a ‘huge’ turnout in favour of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), however, he was hopeful that he would win his seat in Sialkot.
He expressed hope that Nawaz Sharif would become the prime minister of Pakistan for the fourth time.
PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari in Islamabad
(Web Desk) - Former President and Co-chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Asif Ali Zardari left for Islamabad.
According to Zardari House sources, the former president has left Shaheed Benazirabad (Nawabshah) for Islamabad after voting in the general elections.
Earlier, while talking to the media in Shaheed Benazirabad on the occasion of voting, Asif Zardari said that the future of the PPP is bright and it is hoped that the PPP will clean sweep the election.
Maryam Aurangzeb says PMLN to win with huge majority
LAHORE (Dunya News) - The central leader of Pakistan Muslim League-N (PMLN) Maryam Aurangzeb has it is premature to say which party will win the elections as only 15 percent result has arrived.
She said the results of the election have come, but it is only 15 percent.
This result cannot be used to decide the victory or defeat of a party, she said.
Karachi JI Ameer accuses MQM of rigging
KARACHI: (Dunya News) Ameer Karachi Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman accused the MQM of rigging in elections.
Amir Jamaat-e-Islami Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman said in a press conference that the general elections were held in the country, people of Karachi remained confused due to internet and phone service suspension.
MQM claims lead in 18 seats of Karachi, Hyderabad
(Web Desk) - Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQMP) Senior Deputy Convener Mustafa Kamal has said his party is having lead in eighteen seats of Karachi.
The Muttahida Qaumi Movement leader said the party was going to create a record victory in Karachi.
He thanked the votes of Karachi and said people trusted the MQM leadership.
'Independent' candidates leading as provisional results trickle in
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Preliminary results of the 2024 general elections have begun to emerge from various national and provincial constituencies as the vote count commenced following the conclusion of day-long polling across the country on Thursday.
According to unofficial results announced so far, independent candidates (majority of whom were backed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf) are leading in most of the national and provincial constituencies across the country followed by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) while Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) is on third place.
ECP announces first result 10 hours after polling time ended
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) announced the first official result about 10 hours after the polling time ended, declaring independent candidates successful in two provincial assembly seats of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
Election Commission spokesperson announced the results of two provincial assembly seats while holding a press conference in Islamabad.
PPP's Murad Ali Shah bags PP-77 Jamshoro seat
KARACHI (Dunya News) – Pakistan People’s Party leader and former chief minister Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah, won the PP-77 Jamshoro seat in the elections held on Thursday, Dunya News reported.
According to unofficial results, Murad Ali Shah won the PP-77 Jamshoro seat by securing 66,100 votes while Roshan Ali Baror of Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) remained second with 6,150 votes.
It is pertinent to mention here that the PPP candidates are leading on majority of the seats from interior Sindh as results are pouring in.
