In a closely watched electoral race, former Prime Minister Imran Khan has emerged with a lead in Pakistan’s general elections, despite being in jail and barred from contesting. The results, which come amidst economic turmoil and political instability, have left the country facing a hung verdict, sparking days of intense political maneuvering.
Here are the key updates on the Pakistan election results:
- Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-Insaf (PTI) party, despite falling short of the majority mark, secured significant attention as independent candidates supporting PTI won 101 seats in the assembly.
- However, PTI still lagged behind by 32 seats required to form a government independently.
- The final results, announced after nearly 60 hours of delay, attributed to internet issues hindering the transmission of results from polling stations.
- Nawaz Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League (N), backed by the Army and initially favored to win, secured 73 seats, while Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) won 54 seats.
- Both Imran Khan and Nawaz Sharif declared victory, heightening uncertainty over the formation of the next government amidst pressing economic challenges.
- The strong performance of independent candidates aligned with Imran Khan underscores his enduring popularity among Pakistan’s populace, grappling with soaring inflation and economic hardships.
- Allegations of electoral fraud have emerged, with several independent candidates backed by PTI moving the high court. More candidates are expected to follow suit in the coming days.
- PTI has initiated nationwide protests over the prolonged delay in result announcements, demanding timely release of complete election outcomes.
- PTI chairman Gohar Khan urged all institutions to respect the party’s mandate, warning of peaceful protests if results were not disclosed promptly.
- In an effort to thwart Imran Khan’s bid for the top office, Nawaz Sharif and Bilawal Bhutto are exploring options for collaboration, although their combined strength remains insufficient to secure a majority.
The outcome of the Pakistan elections reflects a nation grappling with political uncertainty and economic challenges, as rival factions vie for power amidst allegations of electoral irregularities. As the country navigates this turbulent period, the formation of a stable government remains paramount to addressing pressing socio-economic issues and restoring stability.
Sources By Agencies