The Pakistani nation demonstrated its unwavering commitment to democracy through active participation in the 2024 general elections, marking the fifth consecutive peaceful transfer of power from one democratically elected government to another since the onset of the 21st century (2002-2024).
The electoral process unfolded without major incidents and concluded at 5pm under tight security and suspension of the internet signals.
The results are being compiled and mobile services are being restored in different parts o of the country.
Throughout the day, citizens engaged enthusiastically in the voting process, exercising their right to choose candidates for national and provincial assemblies.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), in collaboration with security departments and other state institutions, implemented extensive measures to ensure a free, fair, transparent, and peaceful electoral environment across the country.
The polling stations witnessed long queues even before the official commencement of voting at 8:00 am, as voters from diverse demographics, including men, women, senior citizens, and individuals with special needs, fulfilled their national duty. The nine-hour balloting process continued uninterrupted until 5 pm.
President Dr. Arif Alvi, casting his vote, called upon fellow countrymen to exercise their voting rights, emphasizing the significance of their opinions in shaping the nation’s future. Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar personally inspected polling stations in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, interacting with polling staff and observing the voting process.
Caretaker Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting, and Parliamentary Affairs Murtaza Solangi cast the inaugural vote in the NA-46 Islamabad-I constituency. Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja closely monitored the election proceedings from the Central Election Monitoring Control Center.
The Election Commission reported a staggering 128 million registered voters participating in the elections for national and provincial legislatures. Over 648,000 security personnel were deployed nationwide to ensure voter safety and facilitate a fair and transparent polling process. This comprised 137,000 personnel from the army and paramilitary forces, along with 511,000 policemen.
Security measures were tiered, with the police, civil armed forces, and armed forces strategically placed across the 90,777 polling stations. A specialized aerial Quick Reaction Force (QRF) was on standby to promptly address any untoward incidents, particularly in Balochistan.
