[🇵🇰] Pakistan General Elections -- 2024

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The people’s mandate seems to have been stolen yet again​

Zahid Hussain
February 14, 2024

The security establishment’s domination in the anticipated political set-up is likely to strengthen in a politically divided country.

IT was perhaps the most consequential election in Pakistan’s recent history. Defying all odds, the voters turned out in record numbers. They have spoken out, loud and clear, and given their verdict. It was a vote for hope and democracy. But the people’s mandate seems to have been stolen yet again.

Events in the run-up to the elections had left little faith in the fairness of the polls. Still, the people came out, breaking down the walls of fear and hoping to bring change through the power of the ballot. The massive turnout of youth and women voters made the difference.

It was a protest vote against political repression and the status quo. Anti-establishment sentiment was quite palpable. The voting trend and initial poll results from Punjab and KP indicated a total rout of parties seen as having the military’s backing, in particular the PML-N. The PTI candidates took the lead in major constituencies.

Yet the final tally showed an incredibly different result. Many of the PML-N heavyweights who were lagging far behind PTI-affiliated candidates till late night were declared the winners the next morning. How this amazing turnaround happened is anybody’s guess. However, it was a different story in KP, where the result could not be altered much. The PTI held its ground in its main bastion.

It is certainly not for the first time that the country has witnessed such a mysterious overnight turnaround of poll results. We saw it, too, in the 2018 elections. It all depends on who is the favourite of the security establishment at the time. There was no doubt that the PTI was the main beneficiary of the ‘hand of God’ in the previous election. But what happened this time has hardly any precedent.

It was a protest vote against political repression and the status quo.

The large-scale poll irregularities have drawn a strong international reaction. The US, UK, and the European Union have separately expressed concerns about Pakistan’s electoral process and urged a probe into the reported irregularities.

But the most damning statement on the elections came from the UN secretary general, who called on the Pakistani authorities and political leaders to resolve the issues related to the election “through the established legal frameworks” and to refrain from taking any action that could raise tensions.

 

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JUI-F to play parliamentary role but will enter assemblies with reservations, says Fazl​

JUI-F chief Fazlur Rehman has said his party would play its parliamentary role but would become a part of the assemblies with reservations.
At a press conference, he said the JUI-F wanted a National Assembly that was truly represented by the people “without the intervention from the establishment”.
“Defeating the JUI-F through poll rigging was a conspiracy of anti-Islamic elements. Our fault is that we played our role in mending the relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which is not acceptable to the US.
“Our fault is that we spoke up against Israeli actions in Gaza and supported Hamas,” Fazl stated.
He added that the JUI-F was an ideological force and would not compromise on any of its stances. “Our workers are determined to start a movement based on our history and sacrifices.
“If the establishment believes that elections were free and fair, then that means the army’s May 9 narrative has been buried,” Fazl alleged.

 

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The true facts are as below

1. Clear Mandate: Pakistani voters decisively supported PTI, granting it a 2/3 majority in the National Assembly and control over two provincial assemblies.

2. Rejection of Opposition: The electorate's rejection of PMLN is evident, signaling a preference for PTI's leadership and policies.

3. Concerns of Manipulation: Allegations of tampering with Form 47 and engaging in horse-trading raise concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.

4. Threat to Stability: Attempts to undermine the mandate through such actions risk inciting public discontent and exacerbating instability in the country.

5. National Interest: Upholding the integrity of the electoral mandate is crucial for maintaining stability and advancing the interests of the nation as a whole.

 

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PTI’s Jhagra says matter of ‘8 stolen seats’ in Peshawar to be pursued​

PTI leader Taimur Saleem Khan Jhagra has said that the eight seats “stolen seats” in Peshawar will be pursued.
“The shameful rigging in the 2024 elections has left a trail like never before, starting with the undeniable record of Form 45s,” he said.

 

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Nawaz not stepping away from politics: Maryam​

Feb 14,
Maryam Nawaz, Chief Organiser of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), has refuted claims about former prime minister Nawaz Sharif stepping away from politics, stating there is no truth to the speculation.

Taking to X, Maryam posted, "If not accepting the prime minister’s position creating an impression that Nawaz Sharif is distancing himself from politics. There is no truth to that."

 

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فارم 47 کے مطابق یہ ہزار روپے کا نوٹ ہے ​