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Published 09 Feb, 2024 01:41am

READ: Section 84 of Election Rules, 2017

Section 84 of the Election Rules, 2017 outlines the procedure for the announcement of provisional results.

The announcement of the results is still being awaited hours after polling ended at 5pm on Friday for the general elections 2024.

The section is reproduced below:

  • (1) The returning officer (RO) shall prepare the provisional consolidated statement of results of the count (excluding postal ballots) of the constituency, as required under section 92, in Form-47 on the basis of the results of the count received by him from presiding officers (PO) electronically under sub-section (2) of section 13 or personally whichever is earlier.
  • (2) The RO shall make sure that result of the count furnished by PO is arithmetically error-free before accepting the same.
  • (3) In case, the RO finds any error in the form, he shall ask the PO to rectify the error and sign the same in token of the fact that the error has been corrected by the PO himself:
  • Provided that in the event of correction of form under this subrule, the PO shall resend electronically the scanned copy of the corrected form to the commission:
  • Provided further that the RO shall keep copy of the said corrected Form and also place the same in the relevant packet.
  • (4) After preparing the provisional consolidated statement of results of the count under sub-rule (1), the RO shall announce the same in the presence of such of the candidates, their election agents or authorised observers as may be present and shall affix a copy of such results at a conspicuous place in his office for information of general public:
  • Provided that the RO shall forthwith communicate the scanned copy of the Form-47 containing provisional results to the commission electronically on or before 2am the day immediately following the polling day and if, for any reason, the results are incomplete by 2am on the day immediately following the polling day, the RO shall communicate to the commission provisional results as consolidated till that time along with reasons for the delay, in writing, while listing the polling stations from which results are awaited and thereafter shall send the complete provisional results as soon as compiled but not later than 10am
  • Provided that where the RO forward a case against the defaulting presiding officer(s) that delivery of result has been inordinately delayed, the commission shall initiate disciplinary proceedings under Section 54 and 55 of the Act and remunerations due to presiding officer(s) shall be withheld and in case it is already paid shall be recoverable from his salary.
Updated 09 Feb, 2024 01:29am

Cellular services restored in parts of Karachi

Cellular services have been restored in parts of Karachi after being suspended during the day for voting during the general elections.

A Dawn staffer corroborated that 3G and 4G services were also restored partially.

Published 09 Feb, 2024 01:01am

PTI urges citizens to step up to prevent ‘election result manipulation’

The PTI has said “unprecedented voter turnout” has stunned the entire system and alleged that attempts were being made to “alter” the poll results.

In a post on X, the party appealed to the voters to head to their respective polling stations in order to prevent the alleged manipulation of election results.

Published 09 Feb, 2024 01:01am

Hammad Azhar claims PTI-affiliated independents in lead

Hammad Azhar has claimed that PTI-affiliated candidates are in the lead according to data from the Election Commission of Pakistan.

“God willing the next government will be led by PTI and Imran Khan will be the prime minister,” Azhar said in a post on X.

The former federal minister thanked all the voters for coming out of their homes to exercise their rights.

“The clouds of oppression will end now,” he added.

Published 09 Feb, 2024 12:58am

Responsibility of Karachi, Hyderabad, urban areas now on our shoulders: Mustafa Kamal

MQM-P senior deputy convener Mustafa Kamal has said that the responsibility of Karachi, Hyderabad and other urban areas of Sindh has now been given to the party.

Addressing the media in Karachi, he said: “A very big responsibility the people of Sindh’s urban areas have again given to the MQM-P. This is not a worrying matter. We don’t have the option to fail in serving the people.”

He said that as per reports, even “non-traditional” areas and “no-go areas” for the MQM-P had given votes to the party.

Published 09 Feb, 2024 12:46am

MQM-P claims lead over Karachi’s 19 NA seats

Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan convener Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui has claimed that as per reports the party is receiving, the party is leading in up to 18 to 19 National Assembly seats of Karachi.

Addressing the media in Karachi, he said: “Apart from two to three seats in the city’s outskirts, on almost all 18 seats and up to 19 according to another report, the MQM is leading and is on its way to breaking its own record.”

Published 09 Feb, 2024 12:31am

Rai Hassan Nawaz leads in vote count for Sahiwal’s NA-143: unofficial results

Rai Hassan Nawaz, running as an independent candidate affiliated with the PTI, is leading in the vote count for NA-143 (Sahiwal-III) with 73,489 votes, according to unofficial results.

The runner-up right now is independent candidate Chaudhry Tufail Jutt with 65,438 votes. He is 8,051 votes behind Nawaz, according to Geo News, Dawn News and PTV.

According to Geo News, PTV and Dawn News, at least 51 per cent of the polling stations completed their count around midnight.

Published 08 Feb, 2024 11:54pm

Troops stationed outside RO offices for security, nothing to do with election process: ISPR

The Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) has said that troops stationed outside polling stations are there to provide security till the conclusion of the vote-counting process and have nothing to do with the election process.

In a press release, the ISPR said: “Only the election staff are continuing the vote counting process inside the polling offices.”

It added that the public was expected to fully cooperate with the armed forces till the completion of the process.

Published 08 Feb, 2024 11:09pm

Fact check: Nawaz Sharif is not travelling to London on Feb 8

Posts circulating on social media platform X have claimed that PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif is departing for London on the night of February 8.

However, no flight is scheduled for London from Lahore.

The iVerify Pakistan platform checked the Flight Radar 24 online tracker to see the flights operating on the night of Feb 8 from Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport to London but did not find any.

This fact check has been published in partnership with iVerify Pakistan — a project of CEJ and UNDP.

Published 08 Feb, 2024 10:59pm

READ: Pakistan election highlights military’s sway over stormy politics

As voters headed to the polls, the influence of Pakistan’s powerful military and the turbulent state of the country’s politics were on full display.

Few doubted which party would come out on top, a reflection of the generals’ hold on Pakistan’s troubled democracy.

But the military is facing new challenges to its authority from a discontented public, making this an especially fraught moment in the nation’s history.

The tension was underlined as Pakistan’s Interior Ministry announced that it had suspended mobile phone service across the country because of the security situation.

Some analysts in Pakistan cast it as an effort to keep opposition voters from getting information or coordinating activities.

Read more here

Updated 08 Feb, 2024 11:48pm

Unofficial results: Who is ahead and who is behind in key constituencies

After five hours of vote counting, an intriguing battle is unfolding in several constituencies: Yasmeen Rashid versus Nawaz Sharif in NA-130, Afzal Hafeez Pahat against Shehbaz Sharif in NA-123, and Rehana Imtiaz Dar against Khawaja Muhammad Asif in NA-71.

As per unofficial and unconfirmed results from specific polling stations until 10:30pm, the following outcomes have been reported:

  • NA-123: Shehbaz Sharif leads with 16,154 votes, while Afzal Azeem Pahat trails behind with 15,893 votes.
  • NA-248: PTI-backed independent candidate Arsalan Khalid is ahead with 1849 votes, followed by Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui with 241 votes.
  • NA-67: Aniqa Mehdi, backed by PTI, holds the lead with 23,008 votes, while Saira Afzal Tarar of PML-N trails with 19,391 votes.
  • NA-119: Maryam Nawaz is currently leading with 869 votes, with Shehzad Farooq trailing behind with 438 votes
  • NA-19: Asad Qaisar is ahead with 16,167 votes, followed by JUI-F’s Maulana Fazl Ali Sharif with 8,824 votes
  • NA-71: Khawaja Asif is ahead with 8,773 votes, followed by Rehana Imtiaz Dar with 8,524 votes.
Published 08 Feb, 2024 10:47pm

Meher Bano Qureshi leads in vote count for Multan’s NA-151: unofficial results

PTI vice chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi’s daughter Meher Bano Qureshi, running as an independent candidate, is leading in the vote count for NA-151 (Multan) with 26,236 votes, according to unofficial results.

The runner-up right now is PML-N’s Abdul Ghaffar with 18,558 votes. He is 7,678 votes behind Meher Bano, PTV reports.

According to Geo News, PTV and Dawn News, at least 61 per cent of the polling stations completed their count at around 10:45pm.

Published 08 Feb, 2024 10:35pm

PTI claims election results being delayed as Imran’s candidates emerge victorious

The PTI has claimed that election results across the country are being delayed after Imran Khan’s candidate emerged victorious.

“There are reports of closure of the screens in the offices of returning officers in several circles,” PTI’s Omary Ayub alleged in a video message on social media platform X.

He warned that attacks on the people’s mandate through a “closed-door conspiracy” or tampering would have negative consequences. Ayun urged PTI workers to stay at polling stations and only leave until they were provided with Form-45.

“The election commission should ensure the immediate release of the results instead of facilitating the scandalous process of tampering with the election results,” he added.

Published 08 Feb, 2024 10:28pm

Multiple people injured in poll-related violence across Karachi

Several persons were injured in clashes between rival parties during the voting process in Karachi, officials said.

Police surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed said four persons including three with bullet injuries were brought to different hospitals. She said the victims were injured during poll-related violence and the condition of one of them was serious.

Providing details, she said a 22-year-old man, identified as Badal Mohammed, was shot at and wounded in Sohrab Goth. Meanwhile, Humayun Taj, 56, suffered a gunshot when workers of two parties clashed outside a polling station in Shah Faisal colony.

In Sachal area, Mohammed Asif, 35, suffered bullet injuries on his leg during a firing incident near a polling station. Separately another man suffered injuries during a clash in the NA-232 and PS-91 constituencies.

Some sporadic incidents of violence were also reported after polling concluded in certain areas of the metropolis. A passerby, Ishaq, 62, was shot at and wounded when two groups resorted to firing in Surjani Town.

Published 08 Feb, 2024 10:11pm

Mainstream political parties apart from PML-N allege rigging

Amid reports of clashes and delays, mainstream political parties such as the PPP, Jamaat-i-Islami and PTI have urged the Election Commission of Pakistan to take notice of rigging at polling stations across the country.

In Karachi, the PPP claimed ballot papers were snatched from the electoral staff in the PS-105 constituency. The JI also alleged that MQM-P workers tried to sabotage voting at multiple polling stations. Videos circulating on social media also showed masked men entering polling stations in the metropolis.

From Balochistan, Akhtar Mengal wrote a complaint to the ECP, saying that the station house officer of Quetta had taken “900 votes”.

Similarly, former lawmaker Mohsin Dawar alleged “large-scale rigging” was underway in North Waziristan’s NA-40 (Tappi).

In Punjab, PTI-backed candidate for Sialkot Rehana Dar said the returning officer had refused to give her Form 45.

Published 08 Feb, 2024 09:53pm

Maleeka Bokhari alleges rigging taking place in Bahawalpur’s NA-166

Former PTI leader Maleeka Bokhari claims rigging is taking place in Bahawalpur’s NA-166.

“This clear violation and rigging was reported to RO who is not taking any action against the opposing Candidate Sami Gillani,” she wrote on X. It must be noted that PTI-backed Kanwal Shauzab was contesting polls from the constituency.

Published 08 Feb, 2024 09:41pm

Unofficial results: Who is ahead and who is behind in key constituencies

After three hours of vote counting, an intriguing battle is unfolding in several constituencies: Yasmeen Rashid versus Nawaz Sharif in NA-130, Afzal Hafeez Pahat against Shehbaz Sharif in NA-123, and Rehana Imtiaz Dar against Khawaja Muhammad Asif in NA-71.

As per unofficial and unconfirmed results from specific polling stations until 9:15pm, the following outcomes have been reported:

  • NA-10: Barrister Gohar Ali Khan leads with 3507 votes, while Abdul Rauf trails behind with 1912 votes.
  • NA-130: Yasmeen Rashid is ahead with 3029 votes, followed closely by Nawaz Sharif with 2757 votes.
  • NA-151: Mehr Bano Qureshi is in the lead with 10,729 votes, while Abdul Ghaffar has 7813 votes.
  • NA-71: Khawaja Asif is currently leading with 6979 votes, with Rehana Imtiaz Dar trailing behind with 5452 votes.
  • NA-119: Maryam Nawaz is in lead with 736 votes, followed by Shehzad Farooq with 308 votes.
Published 08 Feb, 2024 09:36pm

ISPR congratulates nation on ‘peaceful, violence-free’ conduct of elections

The military’s media affairs wing has congratulated the nation on the “generally peaceful and violence-free conduct of general elections”.

In a press release, the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said: “The armed forces and other law enforcement agencies “are proud to have played a pivotal role in providing security during the conduct of the sacred electoral process, in aid of civil power, and in accordance with the constitution of Pakistan.”

“With the deployment of 137,000 army personnel and civil armed forces at approximately 6,000 selected most sensitive polling stations and over 7,800 QRFs, a safe and secure environment for the public was ensured,” it said.

The ISPR stated that “51 cowardly terrorist attacks” were reported mostly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan in which 12 people, including 10 security personnel were martyred and 39 others were injured.

“Through proactive intelligence manoeuvres and swift action, many potential threats were neutralised, underscoring the unwavering commitment of our security agencies to protect the democratic rights of our citizens,” it said, adding that five terrorists were killed in various operations.

“The armed forces remain dedicated to upholding peace and security in the country and stand ready to provide unwavering support in safeguarding the democratic traditions of our state,” the ISPR added.

Published 08 Feb, 2024 08:39pm

Committee to Protect Journalists 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.”

Published 08 Feb, 2024 08:24pm

Pakistanis came out to reject ‘system of oppression, lawlessness & fraud’, says PTI

PTI has said today’s voter turnout in “unprecedented numbers” is a victory for the nation.

“Even though the illegitimate, fascist regime tried every low tactic to scare & dissuade people from voting, the people of Pakistan came out today in unprecedented numbers to vehemently reject the system of oppression, lawlessness & fraud!” PTI said in a post on X.

Published 08 Feb, 2024 08:23pm

Internet outage will not impact compilation of election results, says CEC Raja

Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja has said internet outages will not impact the compilation of election results, affirming that the electoral watchdog has an “exclusive and independent networking system”.

“I want to clarify that our operations are not reliant on the internet,” he said in an interview.

The CEC further stated that he was content with the execution of elections, saying that the electoral process was “seamless and flawless”.

“The electoral process started on time, and we remain satisfied with the ongoing proceedings. Despite minor issues, our teams swiftly resolved grievances in a short time,” Raja said.

He added that the ECP’s complaint and election management systems were functioning seamlessly and providing information to everyone.

Published 08 Feb, 2024 08:11pm

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.

In another post, the ministry said mobile phone services would soon be restored nationwide.

Published 08 Feb, 2024 07:56pm

Ahsan Iqbal refutes claims of involvement in arrest of Daniyal Aziz

PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal has refuted the allegations that he is involved in the arrest of Daniyal Aziz.

Earlier in the day, Aziz’s wife claimed her husband was badly tortured and picked up by the police. She had named Ahsan Iqbal as the culprit.

In a post on X, Iqbal said Aziz’s supporters carried out violence at various polling stations prompting the police to intervene.

It must be noted that Aziz had earlier accused Iqbal of all the ills being faced by the country. Aziz was subsequently issued a show-cause notice by the PML-N.

Published 08 Feb, 2024 07:47pm

Saeed Ghani claims ballot papers snatched in Karachi’s PS-105

PPP leader Saeed Ghani has claimed that workers of Irfanullah Marwat snatched four books of ballot papers at Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Girls College in Karachi’s PS-105.

He added that the “goons” stopped the counting of votes after taking over the polling station.

Published 08 Feb, 2024 07:29pm

‘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.

Published 08 Feb, 2024 07:21pm

MQM-P leader Arshad Vohra attacked by PPP guard in Karachi, party claims

MQM has claimed that its National Assembly candidate Arshad Vohra was attacked by armed PPP men on “the direction of Bilawal House chief guard Akram Baloch”.

Several MQM workers have also been injured, the party said in a statement.

According to the spokesperson, MQM workers were attacked when they confronted PPP workers who were allegedly involved in rigging at CMS school on Karachi’s Nishtar road.

“The election commission should take notice of the hooliganism and rigging by the PPP,” the spokesperson said.

Published 08 Feb, 2024 07:15pm

WATCH: Farooq Sattar dismisses reports of attack on his life

MQM-P leader Farooq Sattar has refuted reports of an attack on his life and said he is safe inside his election office.

In a video statement shared by journalist Naimat Khan, Sattar said: “These rumours that my car was attacked and I was injured are false. These fake reports are being spread to create panic.”

Published 08 Feb, 2024 07:03pm

PTI-backed Rehana Dar says will not tolerate any election result tampering

PTI-backed candidate Rehana Dar claimed the returning officer in her constituency was not letting her enter the polling station.

“I have a clear understanding of his intentions, he wants to facilitate Khawaja Asif in a closed room,” she alleged, warning no tampering of election results will be tolerated.

Published 08 Feb, 2024 07:01pm

Kamran Tessori congratulates law enforcement agencies, stakeholders, media on peaceful election

Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori has congratulated law enforcement agencies and administration for conducting “overall peaceful elections”.

Tessori said he monitored the election process throughout the day while staying in touch with law enforcement agencies and the administration.

“Contrary to rumours, the overall peaceful conduct of elections in the province is the result of everyone’s joint efforts,” Tessori said, adding that people should be congratulated for voting for their candidates.

“I hope the newly elected government will solve the problems of the people and take measures to restore the economy,” he said.

Published 08 Feb, 2024 06:56pm

Zartaj Gul Wazir reports misconduct in Punjab’s NA-185 constituency

Former minister Zartaj Gul Wazir has expressed her concerns over what she calls a violent incident at a polling station in Dera Ghazi Khan’s NA-185 constituency.

Wazir claimed that the area’s station house officer, Fayyaz Lashari, forcibly removed her polling agent, seized the voting box, and departed in a private car.

Published 08 Feb, 2024 06:47pm

Info minister says enthusiastic turnout testament to strength of democracy

Caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi has congratulated the nation on the successful completion of the general election.

“Today the nation has witnessed another historic event in our democratic journey,” he said in a message broadcast on PTV.

People across Pakistan participated in the electoral process, demonstrating their commitment to democracy, their national responsibility and their belief in the power of the vote, he said.

“This enthusiastic turnout is not only a testament to the strength of our democracy but also marks a significant milestone in our nation’s history,” he added.

Solangi further extended his gratitude to “all those who played a pivotal role in this democratic exercise”.

Published 08 Feb, 2024 06:45pm

ECP chief says elections 100pc ‘transparent and peaceful’

Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja has said that elections were held in a “100 per cent transparent and peaceful” manner.

“The polling process continued without any interruption,” Raja said, state-run PTV reports.

“No citizen was prevented from voting,” he said, adding that voting was extended at three polling stations in Gujarat upon the request of concerned voters.

Published 08 Feb, 2024 06:33pm

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.

Published 08 Feb, 2024 06:30pm

Hafiz Naeemur Rehman says JI workers fired upon, 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.

Rehman pledged to protest against such actions, deeming them unacceptable.

Published 08 Feb, 2024 06:17pm

Counting of votes underway

Counting of votes is underway after polling ended at 5pm, Radio Pakistan reports.

Voters who were present inside the premises of polling stations before the closing time were allowed to complete the electoral process.

Published 08 Feb, 2024 06:04pm

ECP says 76 poll-related complaints received and resolved

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) said it has resolved 76 poll-related complaints, which were received throughout the day.

According to the ECP spokesperson, most of the complaints were of a “normal nature” involving confrontations between political workers in different areas which were resolved on the spot.

Published 08 Feb, 2024 06:03pm

PTI urges supporters to not leave polling stations without taking Form 45

The PTI has urged supporters not to leave polling stations without collecting the Form 45.

Form 45 is known as the statement of the count, according to the Election Commission of Pakistan. It is supposed to show the number of valid votes for each contesting candidate and ballot papers excluded from the count.

Published 08 Feb, 2024 05:58pm

Amnesty International calls mobile, internet suspension ‘blunt attack’ on freedom of expression

As Pakistan awaits the results of the 2024 general elections, Amnesty International has called the suspension of mobile and internet services throughout the day “a blunt attack on the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly”.

Several voters across the country faced difficulties throughout the electoral process, which began at 8am and concluded at 5pm.

“It is reckless to impede access to information as people head out to polling stations on the heels of devastating bomb blasts and what has been an intense crackdown on the opposition in the lead up to the elections in the country,” Amnesty International’s South Asia office said in a statement.

“Unwarranted restrictions on dissemination of information, despite reassurances to the contrary from the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority and Election Commission of Pakistan, are in breach of people’s human rights at this critical time in Pakistan.”