Author: Sajjad Ali

Balochistan National Party-Mengal’s (BNP-M)  has extremely disappointed  with the slow pace of election process in Balochistan. “Extremely disappointed with the slow pace of the election process!” says Balochistan National Party-Mengal’s (BNP-M) Sardar Akhtar Mengal. https://twitter.com/sakhtarmengal/status/1755484286663213414 “One polling station in Kakhaher with 1,400 voters has only 40 votes casted so far, and another Peshi with 1,400 voters has only 60 votes. No contact with far-flung areas due to network issues,” he said. Meanwhile, several journalists have been barred from covering / entering polling stations of city, despite having permission cards of ECP. https://twitter.com/leokhanasim/status/1755493892558901601

ISLAMABAD: PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto, alongside other key politicians, has called for the immediate restoration of internet and mobile services, condemning their suspension as casting doubt on the integrity of the entire election process. The Interior Ministry initiated the shutdown of internet and mobile phone services in several cities before polling commenced on Thursday, citing security concerns. Bilawal Bhutto stressed the urgency of restoring internet and mobile services, instructing his party to take legal action by approaching the high court and the ECP. https://twitter.com/BBhuttoZardari/status/1755466578970234924 Another PPP leader, Saeed Ghani, criticized the decision to halt internet services, stating it would undermine…

QUETTA: A landmine explosion occurred in the Makhamar area of Mavand in Kohlu city injured three people including brother of a independent candidate. Levies authorities promptly transported the injured to the hospital, where Mir Mustafa Murri, brother of Mir Liaquat Murri—an independent candidate for PB-09 Constituency—was among those injured. Balochistan has witnessed a surge in pre-election violence, with over 24 fatalities reported from various blasts. On Election Day, another blast occurred in Kohlu, adding to the series of violent incidents. In a separate incident, a blast near the election office of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) in Qila Saifullah district claimed at…

Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja has justified the suspension of internet services as a security measure during the general elections, citing concerns over potential terror incidents. Raja emphasized the need for maintaining a secure environment for the electoral process, particularly in light of recent terrorist activities in Balochistan. Regarding the nationwide suspension of mobile services during voting, Raja reiterated its necessity for ensuring the safety and integrity of the election process. However, he stressed the importance of comprehensive security assessments and cooperation between relevant agencies to effectively address security challenges. While acknowledging the role of the Ministry of Interior…

Today, Pakistanis are participating in their general elections, with even Google’s homepage doodle reflecting the electoral excitement. The doodle features a green ballot box and a ballot paper, symbolizing the ongoing democratic process in the country. Polling is underway nationwide until 5 PM. The Election Commission has arranged 700,000 ballot boxes across Pakistan, with over 276,000 polling booths set up for voters. Each polling booth is equipped with two ballot boxes, designated for the National Assembly and the Provincial Assembly respectively. As citizens exercise their right to vote, the nation eagerly anticipates the outcome of this significant electoral event.

RAWALPINDI: Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, currently incarcerated in Adiala Jail, has cast his vote via a postal ballot. Reports indicate that Imran Khan, along with other political figures, utilized the postal voting system from Adiala Jail. Among the political leaders who voted by mail were former Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, former Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Parvez Elahi, Awami Muslim League Chief Sheikh Rashid, and former Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry. However, Bushra Bibi was unable to participate in the voting process as she was convicted and arrested after the postal voting period had concluded. In Punjab’s prisons, a total…

TANK: A security forces’ vehicle assigned to election duty came under attack in Tank district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to reports the security forces’ vehicle assigned to election duty came under attack in Kot Azam area of Tank.  As result of attack, one officer embraced martyrdom.  sources, assailants targeted the security forces’ vehicle while it was actively providing security for the election duty. It’s important to highlight that the government recently decided to temporarily suspend mobile and internet services across the nation.

ISLAMABAD: Independent candidate from NA-76 and NA-47 Islamabad Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar has criticized the caretaker government for suspending internet services nationwide, saying it is an attempt to rig the elections. Khokhar, renowned for his outspoken stance, raised concerns as reports surfaced of mobile phone networks also being shut down. He asserted that such actions constituted a blatant attempt to manipulate the electoral process, depriving candidates of crucial communication channels with their agents and election machinery. “Cutting off candidates from their agents and the election apparatus is a blatant abuse of democratic principles,” Khokhar declared. Expressing outright rejection of the unfolding…

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has closed its all border crossing points with Afghanistan and Iran as part of heightened security measures on the general elections day. he Foreign Office (FO) announced the decision on Wednesday, confirming that the closures will be effective from February 8, encompassing all types of border crossings, including cargo and pedestrian routes. Normal operations are anticipated to resume on February 9. This move is seen as a strategic effort to safeguard citizens and maintain order during the polling process. Pakistan has communicated the decision to both Afghanistan and Iran. While the Torkham and Chaman crossings with Afghanistan have…

On election day in Pakistan, numerous mobile network users, including those in the federal capital, encountered signal problems. Many individuals faced difficulties accessing mobile data, making calls, and sending SMS to others. Similar challenges were reported in certain areas of Rawalpindi, where residents noted issues with low signals and extremely slow internet speeds on election day. It’s worth noting that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) had previously assured that mobile internet services would remain uninterrupted on election day, dispelling rumors of any planned disruptions. Around 6:30 am, some users took to social media to express concerns about low signals and…