ISLAMABAD: The time for voting in general elections in Pakistan officially concluded at 5 pm on Thursday, with people already inside polling stations allowed to continue casting their votes.
Commencing at 8 am across the country, the one-day general elections saw over 128 million registered voters exercising their franchise until the 5 pm deadline.
As the closing time approached, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) urged the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to extend the voting duration, despite the scheduled conclusion at 5 pm, prompting a formal request to the electoral body.
However, the ECP announced there would be no extension to the voting period for the 2024 general elections, emphasizing that voting must conclude by 5:00 pm, with unofficial and unconfirmed results permitted to be broadcasted at 6:00 pm.
https://twitter.com/SpokespersonECP/status/1755545503788417050
Addressing the electoral process, the ECP reported 55 complaints, with 45 already resolved, primarily concerning routine altercations, ensuring uninterrupted polling activities at all stations. To enhance security measures, Pakistan temporarily suspended mobile phone services on Thursday, following recent militant attacks leading up to the elections.
Furthermore, the government closed borders with Iran and Afghanistan for the day, citing security concerns. Unofficial initial results are expected shortly after the closure of voting at 5:00 pm (1200 GMT), with a clearer picture anticipated by early Friday.
