As the vote tally progresses for the Pakistan general elections conducted on Thursday, initial trends suggest a commendable performance by candidates supported by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), as reported by Pakistan media. However, the prolonged delay in announcing election results has triggered speculations of potential rigging, as noted by The Express Tribune.
In Islamabad’s NA-47 constituency, PTI-backed candidate Shoaib Shaheen secured victory with 11,729 votes, surpassing Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Fazl Chaudhry, who received 11,504 votes, according to unofficial results.
Similarly, in Lahore’s NA-121 constituency, PTI-supported Waseem Qadir emerged victorious with 78,703 votes, leading over PML-N leader Sheikh Rohail Asgher, who secured 70,597 votes.
Independent candidates supported by PTI, Muhammad Abdul Salam and Sultan Room, secured victories in PK-58 Mardan and PK-9 Swat, respectively, according to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
In Charsadda’s NA-25, PTI-backed candidate Fazal Muhammad Khan won with 100,713 votes, surpassing Awami National Party (ANP) leader Aimal Wali Khan, who received 67,876 votes.
Furthermore, PTI-backed independent candidate Ali Khan Jadoon secured victory in NA-17 Abbottabad-II with 97,177 votes, leading over Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) candidate Muhabbat Khan, who garnered 44,522 votes.
Amidst the ongoing electoral process, PTI raised concerns about the alleged theft of the people’s mandate, stating that despite pre-poll rigging and oppression, their party had a significant lead according to independent results. PTI claimed that the manipulation of results was occurring through the use of Form 47, while also alleging the abduction of polling agents and forced signing of fake Form 45s. Video evidence of rigging was asserted, and PTI emphasized its refusal to accept the results, foreseeing potential chaos and instability.
The election day witnessed allegations of rigging, cellular and internet service shutdowns, and reports of irregularities in the electoral process, as reported by Pakistan-based Dawn. Despite assurances from the caretaker government regarding network connectivity, mobile internet services were temporarily suspended just before the voting commenced.
