Want Pakistan at Peace with Neighbours: India on Imran Khan’s Win
Imran Khan’s PTI emerged as the single largest party in the general elections, winning 116 National Assembly seats.
In its first reaction since Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf emerged as the single largest party in the recent general elections, India, on 28 July, said it desires a prosperous and progressive Pakistan, and hoped that the new government in Islamabad will work constructively to build a safe, stable and secure South Asia free of terror and violence.
With 116 National Assembly seats Pakistan's PM-in-waiting Imran Khan had thanked his supporters for a "historic election" and vowed to usher in a "new Pakistan", as he addressed the media on 26 July.
The cricketer-turned-politician's 'victory speech' came even as counting trends showed that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) would have to stitch together a coalition to form the government, despite leaving its nearest opponent behind by almost double the number of seats.
Seats Won: PTI 116 | PML-N 64 | PPP 43
- According to Election Commission of Pakistan, the results have been delayed due to a technical glitch
- Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief Shehbaz Sharif had “rejected” the result, alleging blatant rigging of the elections
- ECP secretary Babar Yaqoob said his analysis showed that voters’ turnout was around 55 percent but it was an “initial assessment and could change”
- At stake: A total of 849 directly elected seats, including 272 in the National Assembly (NA) and 577 seats in provincial Assemblies (PA) – Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan & Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
India Reacts to Imran Khan's Victory
India, on 28 July, said it desires a prosperous and progressive Pakistan, and hoped that the new government in Islamabad will work constructively to build a safe, stable and secure South Asia free of terror and violence, in its first reaction on elections in that country.
Spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs Raveesh Kumar said India welcomed that the people of Pakistan have reposed their faith in democracy through general elections.
"India desires a prosperous and progressive Pakistan at peace with its neighbours," he said.
"We hope that the new government of Pakistan will work constructively to build a safe, stable, secure and developed South Asia free of terror and violence," Kumar said.
Imran Khan's PTI Emerges Largest Party With 116 Seats
Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf on Saturday, 28 July emerged as the single largest party in the general elections, winning 116 National Assembly seats out of the contested 270 parliamentary constituencies, according to the election commission's final results.
Jailed former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) with 64 and former president Asif Ali Zardari's Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) with 43 seats are placed at number two and three respectively, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) said.
(Source: PTI)
Freedom Expression Curbed During Gen Election in Pak: US
Some steps, including curbs on freedom of expression and association, taken by authorities in Pakistan ahead of its July 25 general elections were at odds with their stated goal of a free, fair and transparent polls, the Trump Administration said.
This was the first official US statement on Pakistan General Election.
Imran Khan Inches Closer to Form Govt
Imran Khan is inching closer to form a government in Pakistan with the support of allies and independents even as a multi-party meeting called to devise a joint strategy over alleged vote rigging today rejected the results of the polls and demanded "transparent" re-election.
So far Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party has bagged 118 of the 270 National Assembly seats on which elections were held and was leading in another two constituencies where counting was still on.
All Parties Conference Rejects 2018 Pakistan Election
A multi-party meeting which included the Pakistan Muslims League-Nawaz (PML-N) rejected the result of the general polls alleging rigging and demanded a "transparent" re-election, threatening country-wide protests.
PML-N president Shehbaz Sharif and Jamiat Uleme-e-Islam Fazal chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman jointly presided here the 'All Parties Conference', called to devise a joint strategy over the alleged rigging in the July 25 polls.
Mostly smaller political parties badly thrashed in the elections turned up for the meeting. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Mutahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Pakistan did not attend it.
PPP's Bilawal Bhutto Loses Lyari
PPP leader Bilawal Bhutto was defeated in Lyari seat, regarded as one of the party’s strongholds, reported Geo News.
Recounting Ordered in Lahore 9 Constituency
The Returning Officer has ordered recounting in NA-131 Lahore 9 constituency after PML-N leader Saad Rafique's plea seeking it.
Rafique lost to the PTI chairman Imran Khan in a closely-fought contest, reported PTI.
Bakhtawar B-Zardari Says PPP's Votes were Cancelled in Jhang
Independent Candidate Emerges Winner in NA-190, Previous Result Incorrect
The Election Commission of Pakistan has declared that PTI’s Sardar Zulfiqar Ali Khan Khosa has finished as the runner up with a slim margin in NA-190, reported Dawn.
Earlier, Khosa was declared a winner but the EC has clarified that it was due to a “clerical error”.
Jehangir Tareen to Recruit MPs in Punjab
According to a report in Dawn, PTI Chief Imran Khan has delegated the task of recruiting MPs in Punjab to his confidant Jehangir Tareen.
PML-N Questions Imran Khan's Win in NA-131
PML-N’s Khwaja Saad Rafique has challenged the Imran Khan’s win in NA-131 claiming the presiding officer rejected many votes deliberately, reported Dawn.
Rafique has submitted a petition on the matter to the Returning Officer Muhammad Akhtar Bhango.
Nawaz Sharif Calls Pak Results 'Tainted'
In his first reaction over the general election results, Pakistan’s jailed former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has alleged that the polls had been “stolen” and warned that the “tainted and dubious” results would cast a “bad impact” on the country’s politics.
Talking to visitors in Adiala Jail on 27 July, Thursday, the incarcerated leader of the PML-N, expressed his reservations over the elections results in Faisalabad, Lahore and Rawalpindi, the Dawn reported.
He said his party candidates in these areas were in very stable position but they had been declared defeated candidates.
(With inputs from PTI)
ECP Declares 95% Results, PTI in Commanding Position
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has released 95% of provisional results of National Assembly and four provinces.
The Imran Khan-led Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) has won 110 seats in the National Assembly, 118 in Punjab Province, 20 in Sindh, 66 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa(KP) and 4 in Balochistan.
The Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) has won 63 seats in the National Assembly, 127 in Punjab, 0 in Sindh and 1 seat in Balochistan.
The Pakistan People's Party (PPP) has won 42 seats in National Assembly, 6 in Punjab, 71 in Sindh, 4 in KP and no seat in Balochistan.
The ECP is yet to declare results of 19 National Assembly seats, 6 seats in Punjab, 11 in Sindh, 2 in KP, and 5 seats in Balochistan.
(With inputs from Dawn)
PTI Performs Well in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (PK), Karachi and Sindh Assembly
The Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) on Thursday pulled a rabbit out of the hat, leading in over a 100 National Assembly seats, relegating the ruling PML-N to a distant second spot. The PTI's numbers spiked because of its performance in bastion Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and a sterling performance in Karachi, a Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) stronghold, and the Punjab Province, the citadel of Sharifs.
18 Independent Candidates in Punjab Pledge Support to PTI
Eighteen independent candidates in Punjab on Thursday decided to ally with former cricketer Imran Khan's Tehreek-e-Insaf to form next PTI government in Punjab, reported IANS.
PML-N Ready to Form 'Opposition' Against Imran Khan's PTI
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on Thursday held its executive committee meeting and decided they "would play the role of a strong opposition" in the National Assembly against Imran Khan's PTI, which obtained a clear edge over the other parties in the general election.
Party President Shahbaz Sharif, who chaired the meeting, said they would write congratulation letters to the winning candidates and appreciation letters to the losing candidates, Dawn reported.
(IANS)
Imran Khan's Wife Says Her Husband Will Work for the Oppressed Women
With PTI all set to emerge as the single-largest party, Imran Khan's wife Bushra Imran asserted that her husband will work for the nation, especially the oppressed women, widows and orphans, reported Dawn.
Bilawal Bhutto Wins NA-200, Loses Karachi and Malakand
PPP’s Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari wins from NA-200 (Larkana-I) with 84,426 votes, defeating MMAP’s Rashid Mehmood Soomro who gets 50,200 votes, according to unofficial results, reported Express Tribune.
However, the PPP leader has been defeated by PTI candidates in Karachi and Malakand. In the NA-246 (Karachi South-I) seat, Bhutto lost by 13,245 votes, while in NA-8 (Malakand) he lost by more than 35,000 votes, reported Dawn, citing ECP's unofficial results.
Final Results in the Next 24 Hours: PEC
Pakistan Election Commission said that final results can be expected in the next 24 hours and that there has been no delay in the declaration.
Free & Fair Elections Conducted: Pak Election Commissioner
“Free and fair elections have been conducted. Turnout has been impressive, we will share the numbers tomorrow,” said Election Commission of Pakistan on Thursday, 26 July.
Shehbaz Sharif Loses in NA-192
Shehbaz Sharif loses in NA-192 (Dera Ghazi Khan-IV) to PTI's Muhammad Laghari, according to unofficial results, reported Pakistan media channels
India, Pak Should End Blame Game Over Kashmir
Pakistan’s PM-in-waiting Imran Khan said that he was one of those politicians who wanted good relations with India. He said that India and Pakistan should end the blame game over Pakistan and resume talks with each other.
Khan accused India of violating human rights in Kashmir, adding that people of the state have suffered because of this.
“Pakistan is ready to improve its ties with India. If New Delhi moves one step forward, we will move two,” said Khan.
Watch: PTI Chief Imran Khan Addresses Pakistan Media
Pakistan’s PM-in-waiting Imran Khan, speaking to the media on Thursday, 26 July, said that he has finally got the chance to serve his nation.
Khan said that the reason he entered politics, was to make Pakistan the country that Muhammad Ali Jinnah envisioned.
He said that the country was witnessing the strengthening of democracy and that the election process was completed successfully, despite many terror attacks.
Imran Khan Defeats Saad Rafique in Lahore
Imran Khan defeated Saad Rafique in NA-131 (Lahore-IX), unofficial results revealed, reported Express Tribune.
Happy With Imran Khan's Victory, Says Musharraf
Former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf speaking to News18, welcomed the mandate by saying that Pakistan has elected a “capable” Imran Khan as the prime minister.
He added that Khan knew his strategic path, but must learn governance. He also rejected claims about election rigging, saying it was Pakistan’s habit.
The former president also added that the governance of Punjab was of “utmost importance.”
Elaborating on whether Imran Khan was anti-India, he said:
First Hindu Woman to Contest in Provincial Assembly Elections Trailing
Sunita Parmar Menghwar, the first woman from the Hindu woman to contest the provincial assembly is losing to PPP and GDA leaders Faqeer Sher Bilalani and Arbab Togachi, reported Geo News.
Former PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi Loses to PTI's Sadaqat Abbasi
PTI’s Sadaqat Abbasi today defeated the former prime minister of Pakistan and PML-N candidate Shahid Khaqan Abbasi by a margin of over 5000 votes.
Imran is Army's Candidate, Says Union Minister RK Singh
Union Minister RK Singh, reacting to election results in Pakistan, said that Imran Khan was always a military candidate, adding that it wasn't India but the people of Pakistan who said the same.
"It was rigged. Observers have said it was rigged. Military was there on the polling booths. You ensured that Nawaz Sharif and his daughter land in jail and don't get to campaign. You ensured disturbances in Bilawal Bhutto's meetings," Singh told ANI.
He further said that Islamabad is unlikely to change its policy of hostility towards India if Imran Khan become the PM. This was the first official reaction on the poll outcome in the neighbouring country.
Imran Khan Leads in all Five Seats he Contested From, Shehbaz Loses
PTI chairman Imran Khan is leading in all five constituencies he contested from— NA-35, NA-53, NA-95, NA-131 and NA-243, The Express Tribune reported. PML-N chief Shehbaz Sharif, however, lost from one of the two seats he contested from.
Remember the Reason You Entered Politics: Jemima Goldsmith, Imran's Ex-wife
Imran Khan's ex-wife Jemima Goldsmith today tweeted that 22 years after PTI chief Imran Khan took a plunge into politics, his "tenacity, belief and refusal to accept defeat" had finally paved the way for his triumph in Pakistan. In a tweet, Jemima, however, reminded Imran that he needed to remember the reason he had entered politics.
Mehbooba Mufti Hopes for Stable Government in Pakistan
Former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday tweeted that she hoped election in Pakistan will lead to a stable government, adding that a democratic Pakistan is in the “best interests of its neighbourhood especially India”.
PTI Extends its Lead to 119 Seats, Reports Geo News
Imran Khan-led PTI on Thursday morning extended its lead to 119 seats, almost the double of arch enemy PML-N, which is leading in 61 seats. PTI still needs another 18 seats to establish a clear majority in the lower house which has 272 elected members.
Imarn Khan Wins From the Islamabad Seat
As per unofficial trends on Geo news, PTI chief Imran Khan on Thursday won from the Islamabad NA-53 seat.
Human Rights Commission of Pakistan Observes Irregularities
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) today said it had observed that polling staff in some places appeared to be favouring a certain political party. The HRCP's preliminary report also said that women in some areas were asked about their choice of candidate. The report further said that women were not allowed to cast the ballot in many areas.
Imran's PTI Maintains Lead, But Away from Halfway Mark
Despite Imran Khan’s PTI surging ahead in 114 seats, it’s still away from the required 137-seat mark to gain a clear majority in the national assembly that has 272 elected members. Imran may have to look for some coalition partners to form the government. The PTI had, last night, tweeted that it would wait for final results before commenting on the formation of the next government.
The PTI had, in May 2018, rejected PPP’s offer for a post-poll alliance after the latter expressed the willingness to join hands with Imran Khan’s party.
“Thank you Mr Zardari, we will not be requiring anyone’s support. The PTI will emerge as the single largest party in parliament after the elections and will form government on its own,” said PTI information secretary Fawad Chaudhry while commenting on Mr Zardari’s statement.
Even though the party, as of now, looks set to emerge as the single-largest party, it will require the support to form the government.
PML-N 'Wholly Rejects' Election Results
Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) chairman Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday, 25 July, said that his party rejected the general election results for what he called “manifest and massive irregularities”. Shehbaz alleged that votes were counted in the absence of poll agents.
Election Commission Rejects 'Rigging' Allegations
The Election Commission of Pakistan on Wednesday night rejected the allegations of any wrongdoing in the general election after several political parties raised objections over the process and said they feared rigging.
The ECP said the election results were being collected and the first official result will be announced in an hour.
Result Transmission Service Stopped Working and Delayed Results: ECP
Speaking to the media about the delay in election results, Babar Yaqoob, secretary, Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), said:
Imran Khan Leads in NA-53 Islamabad-II Constituency Over Shahid Khaqan Abbasi
Results Delayed Due to Technical Glitch: Reports
The Pakistan election results have been delayed due to a technical glitch, Geo TV reported, citing sources.
'Inexcusable and Outrageous': Bilawal Bhutto Slams Counting Process
Along with Shehbaz Sharif, PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also raised objections about the counting process, saying it was "inexcusable and outrageous".
'We Reject This Result': PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif
Addressing a press conference while the counting was going on, PML-N leader and PM hopeful Shehbaz Sharif said he and his party "reject" the Pakistan General Election results, as he asserted his objections to the counting process.
He was quoted by Dawn as saying:
'Counting Process Being Carried Out Behind Closed Doors': PML-N
PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb raised objections over the counting process and alleged that her party's agents were being forced out from the polling stations in several constituencies, reported PTI.
PTI Declares Imran Khan as the PM in a Tweet
Ahead of the results, Imran Khan's party PTI referred to him as the Prime Minister in a tweet, saying:
PML-N Alleges Rigging in Elections
According to Times Now, PML-N has alleged rigging in the voting, and called for an emergency press briefing.
Former Deputy Speaker Leads from Abbottabad
Former deputy speaker and PML-N candidate Murtaza Abbasi is leading with 31,320 votes in NA-15 Abbottabad. PTI’s Ali Asghar is second with 25,460, reported Samaa TV citing unofficial results.
Imran Khan Wins Karachi East: Samaa TV
PTI chairman Imran Khan has won Karachi East, reported Samaa TV. The party is currently leading in 94 seats.
PTI Retains Lead in Punjab
Quoting unofficial results, The Express Tribune reported PTI leading across 54 Punjab seats, PML-N in 43 seats.
Shehbaz Sharif's Son Leads in Lahore II
PTI Celebrates as Early Trends Show Lead
PTI has begun celebrations, after early trends put the party at a lead.
Former PM Abbasi Trailing in NA-57
Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, PML-N candidate and former prime minister of Pakistan trails with 4,677 votes in NA-57. PTI’s Sadaqat Abbasi is leading with 6,394 votes, reported Samaa TV, quoting unofficial results.
Imran Khan Leads in All 5 Seats
PPP Leads in Nawabshah
PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari is leading with 3,461 votes in NA-213 Nawabshah. GDA’s Sheer Muhammad Rind is second with 558 votes, reports Samaa TV, citing unofficial results.
Imran Khan Leads in Islamabad
Shehbaz Sharif Trails in Rajanpur
PML-N president Shehbaz Sharif is trailing in Rajanpur, reported Samaa TV. According to the channel, Sardar Muhammad Laghari of the PTI is leading with 928 votes while Sharif is trailing with 524 votes.
Bilawal Bhutto Leading in Lyari
PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto is leading in NA-246 Lyari with 1,754 votes, reported Samaa TV, citing unofficial results. Bhutto is also reportedly leading in Larkana, while trailing in Malakand.
PTI Trails in 4 Sindh Seats, While PPP Leads
According to The Express Tribune, Imran Khan’s PTI is trailing across four Sindh PA (provincial assembly) seats, while Bilawal Bhutto’s PPP is leading in six PA seats across the region.
Imran Khan May Face ECP Action Over Poll Conduct Violation
PTI chief Imran Khan's vote from a parliamentary seat in Islamabad, from where he is also contesting the general elections, may be cancelled by the election commission for allegedly violating the code of conduct, according to media reports.
President of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Shahbaz Sharif and former foreign minister Khawaja Asif may also face action after the poll panel took serious note of them interaction with the media after casting their votes.
Polling Ends
Polling for the general elections has concluded in Pakistan, reported Dawn. Pakistan TV channels have been asked by the ECP to refrain from broadcasting election trends till 7 pm. (7:30 pm IST)
Pakistan EC Turns Down Extension Requests
According to Dawn, the Election Commission has turned down requests for extension in polling time.
Quetta Death Toll Increases to 31
The death toll from the Quetta blast has increased from 25 persons to 31, reported local news daily Dawn.
PTI Chief Imran Khan Casts Ballot
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf chief Imran Khan cast his vote in Pakistan capital Islamabad.
LeT Chief Hafiz Saeed Votes in Lahore, Urges Everyone to Exercise Their Franchise
Lashkar-e-Taiba chief and 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed cast his vote on Wednesday in Pakistan’s Lahore city. The LeT chief said that everyone should exercise their right to vote and contribute towards making Pakistan a better and secure country.
Islamic State Claims Responsibility for Attack in Quetta
Within hours of a horrific attack, which killed over two dozen people and injured several others in Balochistan’s capital Quetta, the Islamic State claimed the responsibility, news agency Reuters reported on Wednesday.
Shehbaz Sharif, Tahir-ul-Qadri and Imran Khan Condemn Attack in Quetta
PML-N chief Shehbaz Sharif, PTI chairman Imran Khan, and Tahir-ul-Qadri have condemned the horrific attack, which killed at least 25 people and injured over two dozen people in Balochistan capital Quetta.
Lashkar-e-Taiba Chief Hafiz Saeed Casts Vote
Lashkar-e-Taiba chief and 26/11 Mumbai attacks mastermind Hafiz Saeed on Wednesday cast his ballot at a polling booth in Pakistan’s Lahore city.
Blast in Balochistan Capital Quetta, Several Injured
Several people sustained injuries in an explosion near eastern bypass in the restive Balochistan capital, Quetta, on Wednesday, 25 July. The scale of damage and its impact on polling is yet to be ascertained, Dawn reported.
Transgender Voters not Allowed to Vote: Report
Dawn news reported it was receiving information that transgender voters were not permitted to vote at male polling booths in Lahore.
One Killed in Clashes Between PTI and Awami National Party Workers
A Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf party worker was killed when clashes broke out between the workers of Imran Khan-led party and Awami National Party workers in PK-57 constituency of Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Dawn reported on Wednesday morning.
Benazir Bhutto's daughters Bakhtawar and Aseefa Cast Their Vote
Bakhtawar and Aseefa, daughters of former Prime Minister of Pakistan Benazir Bhutto, cast their vote in the Sindh province’s Nawabshah constituency on Wednesday morning. Benazir’s son Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, leader of the Pakistan People’s Party, is trying to revive the fortunes of the country’s only left-leaning party.
TV Channels Asked not to Carry Election-related Shows/Discussions
The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) has directed TV channels in Pakistan have been directed not to carry any election-related programmes forthwith, Dawn reported on Wednesday.
PML-N Chief Shehbaz Sharif Casts His Vote
PML-N chief Shehbaz Sharif, accompanied by party workers and supporters, reached a polling booth in Model Town to cast his vote on Wednesday. Dawn reported that Shehbaz urged voters to come out and vote.
Pakistan General Election: Voting Begins
According to Pakistan English daily Dawn, 106 million voters are expected to exercise their franchise today. Voters have started queuing up outside voting booths across the country.
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