ISLAMABAD, Feb 8 /DNA/ – Prime Minister Anwaar ul Haq Kakar thanked and congratulated the nation on successful conduct of General Elections-2024.

He said, I appreciate the efforts of Election Commission of Pakistan, Interim Provincial Governments, Armed Forces, Civil Armed Forces, Police, law enforcement agencies, election staff, media and all those institutions and individuals who contributed to the conduct of the free and fair elections.

This momentous occasion is not just a testament to the resilience and strength of our democratic processes but also to the indomitable spirit of the Pakistani people.

The participation and enthusiasm of people of Pakistan have been the cornerstone of this democratic exercise. The high voter turnout is a clear indication of public commitment to shaping the future of our country. The voices, expressed through the votes, will contribute to the fortification of our democracy, and for that, people of Pakistan deserve every bit of appreciation.

Despite few incidents of terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan the efforts of Armed Forces, Civil Armed Forces, LEAs, Civilian Administration and Election Commission of Pakistan for conducting free and fair election across the country are commendable. Their unwavering commitment to their duties has been instrumental in the smooth conduct of the elections.

In the face of adversity, the people of Pakistan have shown remarkable courage and determination. Your resolve in the aftermath of the recent terrorism incidents, continuing to participate in the electoral process, is a powerful statement against the forces that seek to destabilize our nation. It underscores our collective desire for peace, stability, and prosperity.

Once again, I congratulate the nation on this historic achievement. May this election be a harbinger of a brighter, more prosperous future for Pakistan.

Pakistan election results 2024 — voting ends, counting begins.

Polling has concluded across Pakistan at 5pm, in an election marred by connectivity issues after the government suspended mobile and internet connectivity. 

There were multiple reports of voting process facing delays at certain polling stations across the country and at least one terror attack on security forces performing security duties. 

LAHORE – The polling time for much-awaited Pakistan General Elections 2024 has come to an end. However, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) extended polling time for certain polling stations due to long queues of the voters.

The voting process for general elections 2024 at 8:00 am across Pakistan and continued till 5:00 pm without any break amid security threats.

Candidates and Voters

A total of 5,121 candidates are contesting elections for 265 seats of the National Assembly. These include 4807 male, 312 female and two transgender.

12,965 candidates, including including 12123 male, 570 women and two transgender, are in the race for the seats of the four provincial assemblies

The data compiled by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) shows total number of registered voters standing at 128,585,760.

Polling Stations

EP has established 90,777 polling stations across the country. Of these, 44,000 polling stations have been declared normal, 29,985 sensitive, and 16,766 as highly sensitive.

Major Parties Contesting Elections

PML-N, PPP, JI, JUI-F, ANP, MQM-P are among the major parties contesting election 2024. However, Imran Khan’s PTI is not on the ballot paper as it has lost its electoral symbol, bat, over flawed party elections.

Security Measures

The government has deployed about 650,000 security personnel on the ground to ensure the security of the voters on the election day.

The security officials include the personnel of police, civil armed forces and the armed forces. Under a three tiered system, the personnel of the armed forces will perform duties outside the polling stations.

In the federal capital, police personnel have taken positions at the polling stations and they will stay there overnight.

Security Threats

A day earlier, twin blasts rocked Balochistan’s Qila Saifullh and Pishin claiming lives of about two dozen people. The elections office of the independent candidate, Asfandyar Kakar, in PB-47 and JUI-F were targeted in the attack.

A hand grenade attack also took place in Mastung where a school was targeted. However, no causality was reported in this explosion.

CEC Issues Directives for Foolproof Security

Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja has directed authorities to make necessary deployments to ensure foolproof security of voters in the country.

He conveyed these instructions to all four provincial chief secretaries and the Inspectors General of police over the phone.

Additionally, the Chief Election Commissioner also directed to ensure protection of the offices of District Returning Officers and Returning Officers.

Borders Closed

Pakistan has closed its border crossings with Afghanistan and Iran for both cargo and pedestrians as part of security measures during the general elections.

Foreign Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch announced it in a statement, adding that normal operations would resume on Friday.

Voter Slip for Elections 2024

A voter slip makes it easy for the people to find their polling station and cast their votes smoothly. The voters can get their voter slips for the upcoming general elections 2024 in Pakistan by using a couple of ways.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in collaboration with NADRA provides SMS service for the public to facilitate the eligible voters to check their registration status. Public can get the information by entering CNIC number and sending the text message to the number 8300. An automated response will be received in this regard with the name of electoral area, block code and serial number.

Pakistan Election 2024 Predictions

As the Imran Khan has been detained in jail for months in various cases, the two major contesting political parties are PML-N and PPP in the country.

Both parties ran extensive election campaigns to woo the voters so they can make government in Center.

Predictions made by various sections suggest that PML-N would be leading party in the election. However, they predicted that the Nawaz Sharif’s party would not get clear majority as it has to make alliances to form the government in Centre.

The PML-N is expected to form government in Punjab province also as its main rival PTI has been facing legal woes with its founder Imran Khan languishing in prison.

What is WhatsApp Number of ECP for Complaints?

The ECP has introduced an active WhatsApp helpline, enabling citizens to register their election-related complaints swiftly.

The WhatsApp number for ECP is ‘0327 5050610’. The service aims to enhance accessibility and responsiveness in addressing concerns regarding elections.

Apart from WhatsApp, the complaints can be submitted through email at [email protected], or the dedicated helpline 111-327-000.

When and Where to Check Election Results 2024?

The mainstream media would start reporting the unofficial and unverified results as the counting process begins after 5pm. However, the ECP is likely to announced unofficial results on Feb 9, 2024 in the country.

ISLAMABAD, Feb 8 /DNA/ – The 14th round of Pakistan-Russia Consultative Group on Strategic Stability was held under the chairmanship of Additional Foreign Secretary (Arms Control and Disarmament) Mohammad Kamran Akhtar and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs S.A. Ryabkov

The parties had an in-depth exchange of views on  international security and regional stability challenges, as well as on various aspects of arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation.

The two sides discussed issues related to the agenda of the First Committee of the UN General Assembly, the Conference on Disarmament, the IAEA and the OPCW. The issues concerning biological, space and international information security, as well as new and emerging technologies, including the military use of artificial intelligence, came under discussion at length.

The two sides expressed satisfaction  on the similarity of  views on range of issues of global strategic stability, regional security including matters related to arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation.

Readiness was expressed  to continue close coordination at relevant international platforms. Moreover, the importance of regular meetings of the Consultative Group was also emphasized.

It was agreed to hold the 15th meeting of the Group next year in Islamabad.

ISLAMABAD, Feb 8: President of Pakistan Dr. Arif Alvi Thursday reached the polling station to cast his vote. Turning to social media platform X, President of Pakistan said: “The Islamic Republic of Pakistan has asked for your personal advice through your vote to elect representatives to the National & Provincial Assemblies”.

It is therefore your Islamic, constitutional and civic responsibility, he stated.

‘We as a family reached our polling station, stood in line and have voted and urge all of you to come out and exercise your right,’ stated Atif Alvi.

He continued to say that Pakistan needs your opinion as never before.

The Islamic Republic of Pakistan has asked for your personal advice through your vote to elect representatives to the National & Provincial Assemblies. It is therefore your Islamic, constitutional and civic responsibility. We as a family reached our polling station, stood in… pic.twitter.com/ngPnj5jaxv

— Dr. Arif Alvi (@ArifAlvi) February 8, 2024
While in the same post, the President of Pakistan Dr. Arif Alvi and his family can also be seen standing at the polling station.

ISLAMABAD, Feb 8: Mobile phone services suspended “temporarily” across the country to maintain law and order situation, says interior ministry.

Election Commission complaint cell inaccessible amidst mobile, internet service disruptions
Attack claims life of security officer on election duty in Dera Ismail Khan
Polling delayed at various stations due to technical, logistical issues
Google joins Pakistan’s election day fervour with special doodle
Disruption of 8300 SMS service hinders voter information nationwide

ISLAMABAD, FEB 7 (DNA) – The Federal Minister for Finance, Revenue, and Economic Affairs, Shamshad Akhtar presided over a meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet, today.

The meeting was attended by the  Minister for Energy and Petroleum Division Mr. Mohammad Ali, Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Mr. Sami Saeed,Minister for Communication Maritimes and Railways Mr. Shahid Ashraf Tarar, Minister for Information and Technology Mr. Umar Saif, Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Dr. Muhammad Jehanzaeb Khan, Advisor to PM on Finance Dr. Waqar Masood, Federal Secretaries, and other senior government officers of the relevant ministries.

 The Economic Coordination Committee considered and approved a proposal of Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication regarding “Allocation of Rs. 10 billion through Technical Supplementary Grant during CFY for the Digital Information Infrastructure Initiative”. The funds will be utilized to provide requisite technical capabilities to proactively identify potential cyber threats on the national critical information infrastructure beside preventing cyber security breaches.

The ECC considered the proposal of Petroleum Division regarding “Re-grant of Sui Development and Production Lease”. The provincial government of Balochistan indicated its endorsement of the proposal, following which the ECC approved the summary.

A summary of Ministry of Maritimes Affairs regarding “Revised Fee of Issuance of Certificate of Quality and Origin and Other Certificates for Fish and Fishery Products under Pakistan Fish Inspection and Quality Control Rules , 1998” was also approved with the directions to Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Maritimes Affairs, to explore further avenues of investment.

Ministry of National Food Security and Research presented a summary regarding  “Extension of Farm Mechanization Scheme of Kissan Package”  to the forum which was approved after detailed discussion.

A summary of Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division) regarding “Amendment in the decision of ECC of the Cabinet regarding “Urea Fertilizer Requirement for Rabi Season 2023-24” was discussed in the committee. The forum approvedthe proposal, which did not involve any subsidy implications.

Another summary of Ministry of Energy regarding “Deed of settlement Pursuant to the Pakistan Oil Refining Policy 2023- for upgradation of Existing/ Brownfield Refineries” was also considered. ECC noted that the settlement proposal suggested by Finance Division was appropriate and Petroleum Division may offer the same to the private party.

Three summaries of Petroleum Division regarding “ Supply of Gas /RLNG to Fatimafert and Agritech to meet requirement of Urea”, “Allocation of Gas from M/s United Energy Pakistan’s Mohar Field to SSGCL” and “Allocation of Condensate to Attock Refinery Limited and its Freight Charges Adjustment through Inter Freight Equalization Mechanism” were also approved after detailed deliberations by the forum.

ISLAMABAD, FEB 7 (DNA) – The following statement is attributable to the Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch.

“To ensure full security during the general elections to be held in Pakistan on 8 Feb 2024, border crossings with Afghanistan and Iran, would remain closed both for cargo and pedestrians. Normal operations would resume on 9 Feb 2024.”