ISLAMABAD: A total of 349 foreign journalists and 103 observers from abroad have covered and closely inspected the conduct of the nationwide polling for the general elections 2024 in Pakistan.
The journalists associated with foreign media organizations were primarily performing election coverage in Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore.
Overall, 60 out of 103 observers belonged to Pakistan, and 43 others came from foreign countries to inspect the country’s electoral event.
Meanwhile, the 12th general elections in Pakistan officially concluded their voting period at 5:00 pm (local time) on Thursday. However, people already inside polling stations were permitted to continue casting their votes.
Vote Counting Underway in Pakistan General Elections
Voting for Pakistan’s one-day general elections commenced at 8 am across the country, with over 128 million registered voters exercising their franchise until the 5 pm deadline.
As the closing time approached, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) demanded the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) extend the voting duration. Despite the scheduled conclusion at 5 pm, the former ruling party opted to formally request an extension from the electoral body.
Nevertheless, the electoral body said that there would be no extension to the voting period for the 2024 general elections. The ECP stated that there were no considerations for prolonging the deadline, affirming that voting must conclude by 5:00 pm.
Moreover, the commission specified that unofficial and unconfirmed results could be broadcasted at 6:00 pm.
Addressing the electoral process, the ECP reported receiving a total of 55 complaints, of which 45 have been promptly resolved, while efforts are ongoing to address the remaining 10. The nature of these complaints was described as routine, mostly concerning incidents of altercations. Assuring the public, the ECP affirmed that polling activities at all stations have been proceeding uninterrupted.
In a bid to bolster security measures, Pakistan temporarily suspended mobile phone services on Thursday, announced by the interior ministry. The decision comes in light of recent militant attacks in the lead-up to the elections.
Additionally, the government has announced the closure of borders with Iran and Afghanistan for the day, citing security concerns.
Unofficial initial results of the election are expected shortly after the closure of voting at 5:00 pm (1200 GMT), with a clearer picture expected to emerge by early Friday.
