As polling concluded in Pakistan’s general election, marked by militant attacks and mobile phone service suspension, the nation initiated the vote count. The aftermath of this election day reveals a complex landscape, with at least nine lives lost to violence across the country.
This electoral exercise transpired against the backdrop of Pakistan grappling with an economic crisis and navigating escalating militant violence within a politically divided environment.
The results, eagerly awaited, are projected to be unveiled a few hours after the polls closed, providing a glimpse into the political trajectory that Pakistan may embark upon.
Pakistanis At Polling Unit (Credits: Daily Sabah)
Security measures were paramount, with thousands of troops deployed across streets and polling stations, accompanied by temporary closures of borders with Iran and Afghanistan.
The heightened security measures aimed to ensure a peaceful polling process, but despite these efforts, the day witnessed tragic incidents, claiming the lives of nine individuals, including two children.
The interior ministry’s decision to bolster security came in the wake of a devastating attack in Balochistan earlier in the week, where 26 people lost their lives in explosions near electoral candidates’ offices. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for these attacks, setting the stage for a tense and apprehensive election day.
Among the casualties on Thursday were five policemen, victims of a bomb blast and firing on a patrol in the Kulachi area of the Dera Ismail Khan district in the northwest.
Tragically, two children lost their lives in a blast outside a women’s polling station in Balochistan. These incidents underscore the challenges posed by militancy in Pakistan’s political landscape.
Allegations of interference in the electoral process surfaced when Mohsin Dawar, a candidate from North Waziristan, a known hotspot for Islamist insurgents, reported to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
Dawar claimed that some polling stations in his constituency were taken over by local “Taliban” elements, threatening both polling staff and locals. The ECP or security forces have yet to confirm these allegations.
Despite security concerns and the biting winter cold, citizens demonstrated resilience by lining up at polling stations well before voting commenced.
An 86-year-old woman, a decade older than Pakistan itself, captured the sentiment, expressing, “The country is at stake, why should I come late?” This resilience echoes the determination of the Pakistani people to engage in the democratic process, even in the face of adversity.
As the nation awaits the election results, the impact of this electoral exercise goes beyond the numerical outcomes. It delves into the challenges of balancing security concerns with democratic participation, illuminating the resilience of a populace keen on shaping the trajectory of their country.
The incidents of violence underscore the complexities that Pakistan faces, emphasizing the need for a delicate balance between security measures and fostering a thriving democratic environment.
