Pakistan Election 2024: Imran Khan’s Party-Backed Independents Ahead in Counting
Pakistan’s 12th general elections took place on Thursday, with the polling commencing at 8 am local time. The Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) of ex-premier Nawaz Sharif is expected to be the single-largest party in the 336-seat National Assembly, followed by Bilawal Bhutto’s Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of Imran Khan. The results are expected to be clear by early Friday.
Security Concerns and Allegations of Rigging
As voting began in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, an attack on troops in Kot Azam resulted in the death of a soldier. Tens of thousands of security personnel were deployed at polling stations to ensure security and minimize disruptions. Mobile phone services were also suspended nationwide to maintain law and order.
There have been allegations of rigging and security concerns during the election. A Pakistani politician named Mohsin Dawar claimed that the Taliban took over a polling station in Tappi, North Waziristan, and three female polling agents were attacked. Jamaat e Islami Pakistan, a political party, shared a video alleging rigging in the parliamentary election.
Imran Khan’s PTI Claims to be Leading
Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf party has claimed that it is emerging as the lead party in the polls and expects to form governments both at the center and in provinces. Despite attempts to undermine their will, PTI thanked the people for a “massive turnout” and urged them to guard their vote by getting Form 45.
Tough Challenge for Nawaz Sharif’s PML-N
Jailed ex-premier Imran Khan’s PTI party-backed independents are posing a tough challenge to candidates from Nawaz Sharif’s PML-N in the crucial Punjab province. Initial trends show PTI leading in several constituencies across the country.
Economic Challenges for the Next Government
The next government in Pakistan will have to provide solutions to grave economic challenges facing the country. The current bailout program with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is set to expire in March, and the new government may have to seek a new arrangement.
Conclusion
The Pakistan Election 2024 has been marked by security concerns, allegations of rigging, and a tough competition between political parties. The results are eagerly awaited, as they will determine the future leadership of the country and the approach to economic challenges.
