The aftermath of Pakistan's general elections on February 9, 2024, has been marked by controversy and allegations of rigging. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, led by jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, claimed victory in the elections while accusing the process of being marred by manipulation and delays.
In a statement, PTI alleged that the results were being delayed to rig the outcome and called on the Pakistan Muslim League (N) led by Nawaz Sharif to concede defeat. However, PML-N rejected the demand and asserted that it was winning the elections.
The elections saw allegations of rigging, sporadic violence, and a countrywide mobile phone shutdown. Despite these challenges, PTI claimed victory, stating that it had won more than 150 National Assembly seats out of 265 being contested. The party accused the late-night manipulation of results as an "utter disgrace" and claimed that the people of Pakistan vehemently rejected the rigged results.
PTI further alleged that its mandate was being stolen, with Returning Officers manipulating results and reports of polling agents being abducted and forced to sign fake documents. The party called on Nawaz Sharif to accept defeat and criticized what it described as "daylight robbery" of the nation's mandate.
In response, PML-N countered PTI's claims and stated that it was winning based on data compiled by its Election Cell. Party leader Ishaq Dar urged against premature and biased speculations, emphasizing the need to await the official complete results from the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
The situation remains tense as both parties stand firm on their claims amid the ongoing counting of votes and allegations of electoral malpractice.
(With Agency Inputs)
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