Live: Elections 2024

JI’s Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has said that 10 out of 30 books of ballot papers were missing at Karachi’s NA-238 constituency, warning that the party would not tolerate any such actions.

Former Pakistani ambassador to the United Nations, the UK, and the United States, Dr Maleeha Lodhi, has said that the significance of voter turnout would reaffirm public faith in electoral mechanisms, APP reports.

She emphasised the importance of young people utilising their voting rights and termed it a pathway towards a more robust and inclusive democratic system.

In response to a query regarding public scepticism on the polling process, Dr Lodhi stressed that robust youth participation would help dispel rumours and perceptions of disillusionment.

Independent candidate Asfandyar Kakar, whose election office in Pishin was targeted in a suicide blast earlier today, has said he was not in office at the time of the blast.

Speaking to reporters, Kakar, who is contesting elections from Pishin I, said he was in Balochistan’s Bashore tehsil at the time of the blast.

A meeting was underway to finalise the names of polling agents at the election office in Pishin, Kakar said, adding that a large number of people had attended the meeting.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has termed it “truly unfortunate” that the PML-N didn’t agree to a debate with him, claiming that the rival party “ran away from it”.

Last week, the former foreign minister had challenged PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif for a debate. In his response, Shehbaz Sharif had urged Bilawal to refrain from making the political atmosphere “tense” and from taking political rivalries too far.

In a social media post today, the Bhutto scion said he had aimed to address the myth in the debate that Punjab’s reforms were better than any other province due to the PML-N.

Supporters of PTI founder Imran Khan say they will take evasive measures to cast votes backing the jailed politician in tomorrow’s general elections. PTI voters told AFP that they anticipate polling-day interference and will deploy tactics to blend in with supporters of other parties.

“Flags and badges are for showing off, but the vote is from the heart,” said 22-year-old mobile phone salesman Barkat Ullah at an Islamabad market, explaining he would keep a low profile on election day.

But 25-year-old first-time voter Waseem Ali said he would escort each family member “one by one, to avoid forming a crowd and grabbing attention”.

In Islamabad, Hassan Ali pledged he would march towards his polling station to vote sporting PTI badges and flags, playing party songs.

“How many are they going to stop?” asked the 28-year-old. “I’m not scared of anyone,” he said, adding that if he’s turned away he “will join any other party’s crowd” to cast a vote backing Imran.

Amnesty International has said it is deeply alarmed at the “lethal and targeted” violence on offices, residences and convoys of election candidates and political parties in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

The statement comes hours after at least 28 people were killed in back-to-back blasts outside election offices in Balochistan’s Pishin and Qila Saifullah.

In a statement, the rights organisation expressed concerns over “pre-election violence, selective bans on protests and gatherings; harassment, arbitrary arrest and detention of party workers and candidates; media restrictions; internet and social media disruptions; and trials of political opponents with little due process”.

Amnesty further urged the caretaker government to ensure compliance with its human rights obligations during and after tomorrow’s elections by ensuring uninterrupted internet access, ending media restrictions, providing access to fair trials and conducting investigations into targeted attacks on political workers.

The death toll of two blasts in Balochistan has risen to 28.

According to the Khanuzai Tehsil Headquarters Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Habib Kakar, the death toll of the blast outside the election office of an independent candidate in Pishin had risen to 18.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Yasir Bazai revised the death toll of the blast in Qila Saifullah down to 10 from 12.

Read our full story here.

Here are some of the challenges that will confront the government that takes charge after tomorrow’s election.

Treading a narrow economic recovery path

Pakistan narrowly averted sovereign default last summer through a last gasp $3 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) — but the lender’s support ends in March, following which officials believe a new, extended programme will be needed.

Lowering political temperatures

Political tensions have been high in the run-up to the election due to what former prime minister Imran Khan has called a crackdown on him and his party.

Dealing with three hot borders

Attacks by the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) have caused unprecedented friction between Islamabad and the Taliban as has Islamabad’s expulsion of hundreds of thousands of Afghans, many of whom have lived in Pakistan for decades.

Read more from Reuters here.

Sindh Inspector General of Police Rafat Mukhtar has called for comprehensive security measures to tackle any untoward incident.

“We must ensure security measures at every level,” AFP quotes Mukhtar as saying during a press conference soon after twin blasts hit Balochistan.

The Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, an Islamabad-based think tank, said there had been a “staggering” rise in militant attacks in the past year with an average of 54 per month — the most since 2015, when the army launched a massive crackdown on militant groups.

All arrangements have been completed by Election Commission of Pakistan for free and transparent election in Khyber Pakthunkhwa where over 21.928 million registered voters would decide fate of 713 candidates contesting for National assembly seats and 1,814 candidates of provincial assembly seats on Thursday (tomorrow), APP reports.

Provincial Election Commission (PEC) Spokesman told APP that all arrangements for Feb 8, 2024 general election were completed in the KP including merged tribal districts where over 1,80,000 trained polling staff were deployed for polling duties.

He said that there are over 11.94 million male and 0.98m female who exercise right of votes in KP including merged tribal districts.

PTI founder Imran Khan, in a pre-recorded message shared by the PTI, has urged the nation to leave their homes tomorrow and exercise their fundamental right to vote.

“Only through elections you will be able to change the future of you and your children,” Imran, who is imprisoned at Adiala Jail, said.

President Dr Arif Alvi has strongly condemned the back-to-back blasts in Balochistan’s Qila Saifullah and Pishin.

In a message, he expressed deep grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives and extended sympathies with the bereaved families.

Karachi Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shaad Ibn Masih made a visit to the office of the city’s district returning office and reviewed security arrangements for the delivery of polling material.

During the visit, the official briefed elections officials regarding the security of the polling equipment.

He directed the officers to “fully cooperate with the polling staff in the delivery of polling materials and provide full proof security to them”.

Balochistan caretaker home minister Jan Achakzai has said that elections will take place on Feb 8 “at all costs” and anyone trying to disrupt the electoral proceedings will face the music.

Talking to Dawn News, Achakzai said the provincial government would ensure that people cast their votes on Feb 8 (tomorrow) despite attempts by miscreants to create a law and order situation.

“We will revisit our security protocol and may order deployment of additional contingent of security personnel in view of the law and order situation,” the provincial minister added.

The PTI has condemned two consecutive blasts in Balochistan’s Pishin and Qila Saifullah, expressing sorrow and grief at the loss of precious lives.

“Praying for the speedy and complete recovery of the injured along with the demand for provision of quality treatment facilities,” it said in a social media post.

It further expressed concern that “evil elements want to create an atmosphere of lawlessness and chaos by targeting the candidates participating in the elections”.

Ex-president Asif Ali Zardari has condemned the “terrorist attack” in Qila Saifullah, expressing regret over the lives lost. He also offered his condolences to the families of the deceased.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has said that internet services will remain functional tomorrow.

In a statement, the PTA said it had not yet received any instructions from the government regarding an internet shutdown. It added that internet services would work without any interruption tomorrow.

Caretaker Prime Minister (PM) Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar has strongly condemned the blasts in Pishin and Qila Saifullah, state-run Radio Pakistan reports.

Expressing regret over the lives lost, the PM instructed to provide immediate medical aid to the injured and sought a report from chief secretary of Balochistan.

He said the government was determined to conduct the general elections peacefully and any attempt to sabotage law and situation would be thwarted.

The Quetta Bar Association will observe three-days’ mourning over the attacks in Balochistan.

“We express deep sorrow and grief over the martyrdom of innocent people in the blasts of Pishn and Qila Saifullah,” Quetta Bar Association President Malik Abid Kakar said in a statement.

“Government and law enforcement agencies have completely failed,” he said. “They have abandoned their responsibilities and are busy with other activities,” he added.

PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif has expressed grief and sorrow over the lives lost in two blasts in Pishin and Qila Saifullah in Balochistan.

“These cowardly terrorist attacks a few hours before the elections cannot dampen our spirits,” he said while also praying for the deceased.

Caretaker Interior Minister Gohar Ejaz has strongly condemned the attack outside the JUI-F’s office in Balochistan’s Qila Saifullah, saying that he shared the grief of the bereaved families.

“Inciteful elements want to create chaos before the general elections and stop the public from exercising their right to vote,” he said in a post on X.

Terming the attack an extremely cowardly act“, Ejaz asserted that the government would “not let the evil intentions of the enemy succeed at any cost”.

PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah has expressed regret over “the loss of precious lives” in the blast outside the JUI-F office in Quetta’s Qila Saifullah.

He said, “We have fought this scourge before and eradicated it, we will fight these terrorists again.”

At least 26 people were killed and multiple others were injured after two back-to-back blasts rocked Balochistan.

The first blast was reported outside the election office of independent candidate Asfandyar Kakar in Pishin a little after noon, the police said. According to Pishin Deputy Commissioner Jumma Dad Khan, at least 14 people were killed and 30 wounded.

The second blast was reported in Qila Saifullah shortly after. The city’s deputy commissioner, Yasir Bazai, told Dawn.com that 12 people were killed in the blast, which took place outside the JUI-F’s election office.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has condemned the “terrorism” incident in Pishin, adding that the conspirators involved should be brought to justice.

“Targeting innocent people is a barbaric act,” the former foreign minister said.

He said that the federal and Balochistan governments should identify the elements involved and bring them to justice.

He offered condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.

At least 12 people have been killed and several injured in a blast outside the election office of the JUI-F in Qila Saifullah in Balochistan, according to Deputy Commissioner Yasir Bazai.

PPP leader Asif Ali Zardari has condemned the blast in Balochistan’s Pishin district, expressing regret over the loss of human lives.

He offered his condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.

He said the perpetrators behind the blast “should be arrested and punished according to law”.

Interim Balochistan Chief Minister Ali Mardan Khan Domki has condemned the blast in Pishin and sought a report from the interior ministry.

In a statement, he expressed deep sorrow and regret over the lives lost, instructing officials to use all available resources to arrest those involved in the incidents.

“Such incidents are a conspiracy to undermine the process of peaceful elections […] the elements involved in such incidents should be brought to justice […] All the resources are being used to provide complete security to the people,” he said.

He said that people should not be afraid and must come out tomorrow to exercise their right to vote, adding that an effort to improve law and order arrangements is underway.

Geo News is reporting that a blast has occurred outside the election office of JUI-F in Qila Saifullah, Balochistan.

Caretaker Interior Minister Gohar Ejaz has strongly condemned the blast outside the election office of an independent candidate in Pishin.

According to a post on X, the interim minister offered his condolences to the families of the deceased.

At least 14 individuals have been killed and 30 injured in Pishin in a suicide blast outside the election office of independent candidate Asfandyar Kakar, according to Pishin Deputy Commissioner Jumma Dad Khan.

The electoral list by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) shows Kakar is an independent candidate contesting for PB-47 with ‘bowl’ as his electoral symbol.

The Election Commission of Pakistan has taken notice of the blast in Pishin and sought immediate reports from the provincial chief secretary and the provincial police chief.

It said that according to reports, eight people had died and at least 10 were injured due to a blast near the office of a political party in Pishin.

“The election commission has sought immediate reports from the chief secretary and the Balochistan police chief and directed them to take action against those involved in the incident,” the commission said.

At least eight people have been killed while several have been injured in a blast outside a political party's office in Pishin.

“The blast took place in the office of the candidate of Nokandi area of Pishin district, killing eight people,” Pishin Deputy Commissioner Jumma Dad Khan said, according to Reuters.

Balochistan’s caretaker Minister for Home and Tribal Affairs Mir Zubair Khan Jamali has taken notice of the blast in Pishin. In a statement, he expressed regret over the lives lost in the incident and sought a report from the deputy commissioner.

He said that the country’s enemies were looking to create instability. “The election process will not be affected by such an attack,” he said.

The provincial election commissioner of Punjab, Aijaz Anwar Chohan, has said that ECP is committed to conducting free, fair and transparent elections.

While speaking to the media in Lahore, Chohan said that action would be taken against deficiencies or negligence by returning officers, adding that the instructions were passed yesterday and will be reiterated.

“I want to send my message to the important stakeholders and contesting candidates that they should play their part in conducting free, fair and transparent elections,” Chohan said, adding that they should follow the instructions issued by the ECP.

Geo News is reporting that a blast has occurred outside a candidate’s election office in Balochistan’s Pishin.

Sindh Inspector General (IG) Rifat Mukhtar Raja has directed officials to ensure foolproof security measures outside polling stations in the province for the safety of voters, candidates, polling staff and polling materials.

“Keeping in mind previous elections, nothing should be lacking in security measures,” he said while speaking to officials outside Commerce College. “We need to be alert and ready outside the polling stations at all times,” he said.

He noted that measures for deploying officials had been completed and polling material had also arrived.

“The QRF (Quick Response Force) is also ready and alert. District SSPs have identified sensitive and highly sensitive polling stations,” he said.

A spokesperson for the Sindh police’s Special Security Unit (SSU) has said that over 1,200 officials would be stationed at highly sensitive, sensitive and normal poling stations in all districts of Karachi on February 8.

In a statement, the spokesperson said the SSU officers will also act as a Quick Response Force (QRF) in case of an emergency.

Further, SSU trainees — who have undergone different courses in training centres — have also been deployed to maintain law and order during elections, the spokesperson added.

SSU Commandant Dr Farrukh Ali was quoted as saying, “SSU officers are highly trained and capable to tackle any untoward incident if created by miscreants”.

“Every election has been like this — same players, same umpire, same teams. The only change is the shifting positions of the audience in the age boxes.”

The writer wondered whether the cycle of predictability had persisted throughout history when it came to elections in Pakistan. Was there truly never any change?

Thus commenced an unexpected journey to untangle the threads of electoral history. The vast expanse of articles proved daunting, leading her to seek the perspectives of journalists — storytellers who had witnessed the political drama up close in newsrooms, on the roads and on screens.

The writer interviewed five journalists who were kind enough to share the nuances of the last eight general elections, unravelling a tapestry of political highs and lows in Pakistan.

Read more and watch the interviews here.

The Pakistan Army and other law enforcement agencies continue to hold flag marches in different parts of the country, Radio Pakistan reports.

Soldiers will be “deputed outside the polling stations to deal with any untoward situation in a timely manner”, the report said.

Interior Minister Gohar Ejaz has said that the government is committed to ensuring “free, transparent and peaceful elections” in the country.

According to Radio Pakistan, he made the remarks while presiding over a meeting along with caretaker Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Justice (rtd) Arshad Hussain in Peshawar.

They were given a detailed briefing on upcoming general elections and the overall security situation of the province.

The Foreign Office has said that Pakistan is “fully committed to foster an inclusive democratic process, uphold the rule of law and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms guaranteed in its law and Constitution”.

Responding to remarks made by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights regarding the upcoming general elections, FO Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said security plans have been finalised to hold the elections on Thursday as per the country’s electoral laws.

“Our judicial system provides for fair trial and due process. Domestic legal remedies are available in case of any complaints in the electoral process,” the statement added.

PTI leader Sher Afzal Marwat has said that the general elections are a “chance to empower our leadership and shape our collective destiny”.

In a post on X, Marwat said, “On 8th February, let’s unite as one Pakistan and exercise our democratic rights through the power of the vote. Together, we stand to seek justice for the injustices suffered by innocent people and our leader, Imran Khan.

“Let’s make our voices heard at the polls and drive the change we seek,” the PTI candidate added.

The Supreme Court has been requested to take notice of the alleged violation by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari of the country’s election law since he is a member of two registered political parties.

Advocate Shah Mohammad Zaman moved the apex court after his similar petition was rejected by the Sindh High Court’s Larkana circuit branch.

The petition filed in the apex court pointed out that Mr Bhutto-Zardari is chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party whose electoral symbol is ‘sword’, but contesting the Feb 8 general elections as a candidate of the PPP-Parliamentarians with the allotted symbol of ‘arrow’.

It argued that Section 205 of the Elections Act 2017 clearly put a bar on such a practice by suggesting suspension of membership in accordance with the procedure provided in the constitution of the political party.

Read more here.

At least nine grenade attacks, targeting election offices of candidates and polling stations, were carried out in various areas of Makran division and the provincial capital, on Tuesday.

According to police reports, individuals riding motorcycles threw hand grenades at a government school in Killi Ahmedzai, located on the outskirts of Quetta, late in the evening. The grenade exploded in the courtyard of the school, designated as a polling station, damaging windows.

Further reported incidents included a grenade attack on the residence of BNP-Mengal’s candidate for National Assembly, Mir Mohammad Yaqoob, in Awaran district, and an attack on the house of PML-N candidate Mir Mohammad Aslam Buledi in Buleda.

Two blasts were reported from Panjgur town where the house of National Party leader Abdul Qadeer Sajdi and the residence of an independent candidate, Dr Noor Baloch, were targeted. Both leaders remained unhurt in the attacks. PPP candidate Agha Gull also survived a grenade attack on his home.

Read more here.

PTI central information secretary Raoof Hasan has alleged that a “reign of terror” had been unleashed on the party for the past 22 months under the ‘London Plan’ to dismantle PTI and remove its founding chairman Imran Khan from the political scene.

However, he claimed that the people, through power of their vote on February 8, would take revenge for every injustice being meted out to them.

Addressing a press conference — while being flanked by Senate Standing Committee for Human Rights Chairman Walid Iqbal, former advisor to prime minister on accountability retired Brig Musaddiq Abbasi and former Punjab advocate general Ahmad Awais — Hasan said PTI, its leaders and workers were subjected to the worst state terrorism and barbarism after the “regime change conspiracy” of April 9, 2022 to clear the path for other parties.

“All political parties could be seen holding public gatherings across the country but PTI even did not allow holding corner meetings,” Iqbal recalled, urging people especially youth and women to come out in large numbers to vote.

Read more here.

Caretaker Interior Minister Gohar Ejaz and interim Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Justice (r) Arshad Hussain have chaired a meeting in Peshawar to discuss the peaceful and transparent conduct of elections, APP reports.

During the meeting, the administrations provided a comprehensive briefing on the arrangements made to ensure peaceful elections and the overall security situation in the province.

Ejaz reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring free, transparent and peaceful elections in KP.

PTI leader Hammad Azhar has announced Rao Muhammad Qasim as the new candidate for NA-155, following the withdrawal of support for the party from the previous candidate, who joined the Istehkaam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP).

As per a statement by PTI’s Hammad Azhar on X, Qasim has been chosen as the new party-endorsed candidate after “two of the previous candidates were kidnapped from Lodhran.” He also mentioned that “tap” will be the electoral symbol for the new candidate.

He urged people to propagate the information to more people, especially those of the constituency.

The Election Commission of Pakistan has barred any further political and election canvassing after midnight tonight.

It said participation or holding of any rally, corner meeting or political activity would not be allowed and legal action would be taken against those who contravened.

It said this also extends to political advertising on electronic and social media.

The ECP also said that inconclusive results could be publicised an hour after the conclusion of polling time on Thursday.

Caretaker Balochistan Minister for Information Jan Achakzai has said that no guidelines regarding suspension of internet services in Balochistan have been issued by the provincial government, PPI reports.

In a video message posted on X (formerly Twitter), Achakzai said police and levies personnel would be deployed in all the polling stations across Balochistan while the services of Frontier Corps Balochistan and other law enforcement agencies would also be sought when required by the district administrations.

He said that peaceful environment would be ensured on the election day in the province. Achakzai said that with the exception of some incidents, overall security situation has remained satisfactory across the province.

Amnesty International has written an open letter, urging authorities to guarantee “uninterrupted access” to Internet and digital communication platforms for everyone across Pakistan throughout the polling process.

“We, the undersigned organisations and members of the #KeepItOn coalition — a global network of over 300 organisations from 105 countries working to end internet shutdowns — appeal to you, Prime Minister Mr Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar and Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, to publicly commit to ensuring that the people of Pakistan have unfettered access to the internet, social media platforms, and all other communication channels throughout the upcoming general election on February 8, 2024,” it said.

It noted that as the people of Pakistan prepare to vote, authorities must adopt and prioritise measures that advance human rights, by enabling unrestricted access to information and avenues for freedom of expression, assembly, and association — both offline and online.

“This will also contribute to an inclusive, free, and fair election process,” the organisation said.

The State Bank of Pakistan declared February 8 a public holiday to facilitate voters, APP reports.

Consequently, all the banks and financial institutions in the country will also remain closed on February 8 on account of the public holiday.