Pakistan Elections 2024 LIVE: Nawaz Sharif's PML-N Reaches 'Principal Agreement' with MQM-P

According to a report by the Pakistani news publication Dawn, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf-backed independent candidate Waseem Qadir has now joined Nawaz Sharif's PML-N. In a video posted on the party's social media account, Qadir, who won Lahore's NA-121 constituency, can be heard saying “I have returned to my home.” 

Qadir previously served as PTI's Lahore Secretary General. 

As PML-N tries to negotiate with its rival to form a government, reports are emerging that a high-profile delegation led by PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif has arrived at the Bilawal House in Lahore to meet PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari. According to Geo News, PML-N leaders Ahsan Iqbal, Azam Nazeer Tarar, Saad Rafique and Ayaz Sadiq are part of the delegation. 

Senior PTI leader Barrister Gohar Khan called for the release of his party's “political prisoners” including former Prime Minster Imran Khan. Khan's proclamation came in response to Army Chief General Asim Munir's statement stressing the need for a "healing touch" following the February 8 general elections. "United government means that every party should be united in one thing, which is that you have to respect and regard people’s mandate first,” the PTI leader told reporters, The News International reported. “The people have spoken [through the vote] and for the first time they have spoken in a very tough situation [amid a crackdown against PTI],” he added. 

President of Pakistan Arif Alvi lauded the young voter turnout in the 2024 Pakistan General Elections. “I must congratulate the people of Pakistan, especially the women for coming out in huge numbers, withstanding all pressures and standing up for democracy. The youth deserve a special mention, and I praise them for having decided to take charge of the country by participating peacefully in the voting process,” Alvi wrote on X, formally known as Twitter. “They have put their faith in democracy. This belief is very precious, it will write history and must be recognized. A true mandate is essential to come out of the severe financial crunch, make difficult decisions, to repair, and to heal the bitterness of the past. We must celebrate this effervescent new focus and show it to the outside world. My confidence in our brilliant future has been strengthened as the PEOPLE have not only spoken but have shouted out their will,” he added. 

The supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf held a peaceful protest outside the RO office of the NA98 constituency in Faisalabad. The party shared the video on X, formally known as Twitter. 

Hours after reports emerged that PML-N and MQM-P reached a “principal agreement”, MQM-P Convener Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui said that the “principal agreement” was about ensuring political stability and not about forming a government. "We discussed issues revolving around Pakistan's stability [...] No discussions have been held on the issue of government formation," Siddiqui averred. 

Pakistan People's Party's Kasim Gilani supported his rival and PTI-backed independent candidate Meher Bano's right to pursue a recount. “We respect Meher Bano's right to pursue a recount, as transparency is vital for democratic integrity. In the 2018 elections in the same constituency, where Ali Musa contested against her brother Zain Qureshi, a recount was requested with a 4000-vote difference and over 18000 rejected votes,” Gillani wrote on X, formally known as Twitter. “This time, with a difference exceeding 5%, the consolidation process is complete. Her legal recourse is the election tribunal, and we welcome any direction from it,” he furthered. 

After an hour-long meeting, reports are emerging that  MQM-P and PML-N have reached a “principle agreement” to work together and form a government in the Pakistan National Assembly. “We will work together in the interest of the country and public,” the statement said, adding that basic points had been agreed upon by the two parties," PML-N said in a statement. According to Dawn, the meeting was attended by MQM-P’s Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Dr Farooq Sattar, Kamran Tessori and Mustafa Kamal and from the PML-N's side the Sharif brothers, Ishaq Dar, Maryam Nawaz, Rana Sanaullah, Ayaz Sadiq, Khawaja Saad Rafiq were in attendance among others.

Security gets even more stringent as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf gets ready to conduct a nationwide protest. In light of this, the Lahore police have warned that they would come down hard on illegal gatherings. According to Dawn, dozens of police equipped with riot gear are currently assembling near Liberty Market in Lahore.

Amid the ongoing turmoil in Pakistan, the country's Election Commission on Sunday halted the returning officer from releasing the final result of the NA-15 constituency in Mansehra. The electoral watchdog's decision came after it took action on  Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif's application. Not only this, the ROs of NA-46, NA-47 and NA-48 were also stopped from issuing final result notifications.

Ahed of PTI's nationwide protest, the Rawalpindi police have imposed Section 144 in the region and warned of “legal actions” against illegal assembly.  “Important information, Section 144 is in force throughout Punjab. Illegal assembly is not allowed at any place, legal action will be taken in case of illegal assembly, display of weapons is prohibited, law enforcement is the duty of every citizen, and any violation of the law will not be tolerated,” the police wrote on X, formally known as Twitter. 

After calling for a nationwide protest Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has also called on its supporters to hold demonstrations in Manchester and Washington DC.  The protests are being conducted against the alleged electoral malpractices during the February 8 polls. 

A meeting between the MQM-Pakistan delegation led by party chief Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and PML-N leaders commenced at Sahrif’s Jati Umra residence near Lahore. In the video, shared by the PML-N, former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Nawaz's daughter Maryam Nawaz can be seen arriving at the residence. 

As per the preliminary reports of Pakistan's Free and Fair Election Network (Fafen), around 60 million voters went to polls on February 8. The body also noted that 1.1 million election officials were performing their duties and more than 0.7 million police and military officials stood guard across the country and outside polling stations. 

Hours after PTI announced a nationwide protest over electoral malpractices, the Islamabad police imposed Section 144 in the country's national capital. “Section 144 is in force in Islamabad. Legal action will be taken against illegal assembly. Some people are inciting illegal gatherings around the Election Commission and other government institutions. It should be noted that inciting to gather is also a crime,” the Islamabad police wrote on X, formally known as Twitter. “Peaceful protest within the law is everyone's right. Police will take legal action on every illegal action. Obeying the law is the duty of all. Citizens are requested to avoid being part of illegal activities. Maintaining law and order in the city is the top priority of Islamabad Capital Police. Report any unusual activity on Call 15 or ICT 15 app. #ICTP #Islamabad," the police furthered. 

PML-N's Information Secretary Marriyum Aurangzeb said that the  MQM-P delegation, led by convener Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, will visit the Sharifs at their Raiwind residence at 11:30 am. “The delegation of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Pakistan will visit Raiwand (today) at 11:30 AM on Sunday. A delegation of MQM leaders headed by Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui will meet Pakistan Muslim League (N) leader Mr Muhammad Nawaz Sharif. Former Prime Minister and President of Pakistan Muslim League (N) Mr Shahbaz Sharif and Chief Organizer Maryam Nawaz Sharif and other leaders of the party will also be present on this occasion,” Aurangazeb wrote on X, formally known as Twitter. 

Imran Khan's PTI has called for “peaceful protest” on Sunday afternoon in Punjab. 

Taking to X, the party posted details on the upcoming protests. It read, “A peaceful protest will be held at Liberty Chowk in Lahore tomorrow at 2 pm. All Lahori prepare. ”

“Pakistan needs free and fair elections, which includes transparency in counting votes and respect for the results. I believe today, as I always have, that we must accept the voters' decision with grace. I hope our elected officials, whether in government or opposition parties, will prioritise democracy and prosperity for the people of Pakistan,” Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai said.

After not being given any party ticket, Independent candidate wins from NA-253 and joins PML-N

A Tehreek-i-Labbaik rally against poll rigging took a violent turn when the Karachi police fired tear gas and used lathis to disperse the unruly crowd.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has ordered re-polling in several polling stations like  NA-88 (Khushab II), PS-18 (Ghotki I), and PK-90 (Kohat I).

While elucidating the future plans, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said that his party is in no formal talks with any political party, including the Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), regarding the government formation in Lahore.  “So far, there have been no formal talks with either the PML-N, PTI or any other political party,” Bilawal told Geo News on Saturday. Earlier today, the political scion stated that no federal government can be formed without PPP. “Some informal contacts are present in our relationships, but so far, there has been no contact with the PTI bloc,” he added. 

Majlis-e-Wahdatul Muslimeen (MWM) chief Allama Raja Nasir Abbas declared that the party will provide full support to PTI to form a government in the National Assembly. 

Former Foreign Minister of Pakistan Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that governments in Federal, Punjab and Balochistan cannot be formed without the PPP. “We don’t know the whole count nor have independents announced their decisions. No government will be able to solve the public’s problems without addressing the political toxicity," Bilawal told Geo News. “The central executive committee of PPP had named me as the PM candidate but if we have to change that another meeting needs to be called and we will decide on how to move forward,” he added. 

Amid accusations of electoral malpractices, the Election Commission of Pakistan on Saturday announced that fresh polling in multiple constituencies. According to Pakistani news outlet Geo News, re-polling will be conducted in polling stations of NA-88, PS-18 and PK-90 constituencies on February 15. The decision by the Pakistani electoral watchdog came after election material belonging to 26 polling stations was set ablaze in the RO's office in the NA-88 constituency.

Global Internet watchdog NetBlocks reported a nation-scale disruption of social media platform X, formally known as Twitter. “Confirmed: Live metrics show a nation-scale disruption to X/Twitter across #Pakistan; the incident comes amid political turmoil after a controversial election held under an internet and mobile network blackout,” NetBlocks wrote on X, formally known as Twitter. 

Senior leader from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said on Saturday that President Arif Alvi would invite his party to form the government. “We have no quarrel with anyone, we want to move forward. We will proceed and form a government in accordance with the constitution and the law,” Gohar Khan said addressing the media in Islamabad. “No obstacle should be created for the PTI and results should be announced as soon as possible. As per the law, the final result is extracted from Form 45 and we have received all the results,” he said adding that the final results should be announced before 12:00 am tonight.

Commenting on the poll result delay crisis, Pakistan President Dr Arif Alvi said that Pakistan could have avoided the crisis if Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were in use. The use of EVMs has been strongly advocated  by PTI during their time in power. “Remember 'our' long struggle for Electronic Voting Machines. EVM had paper ballots that could be counted separately by hand (like it is being done today) BUT it also had a simple electronic calculator/counter with each vote button pressed. Totals of every candidate would have been available & printed within five minutes of closing of poll. The entire effort that included more than 50 meetings at the Presidency alone was scuttled,” Alvi wrote on X, formally known as Twitter. “Had EVMs been there today, my dear beloved Pakistan would have been spared this crisis,” he added. 

The Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN ) noted on Saturday that transparency in elections was observed at polling stations but not in the offices of the Returning Officers (ROs). On Saturday, FAFEN spokesperson Musarrat Qadeem said that delay in the release of poll results, and suspension of internet and mobile services damaged parliamentary efforts made through Election Act. Earlier today, the US, UK and EU issued separate statements on the matter in which they called upon the relevant Pakistani authorities to ensure a timely and full investigation of all the reported irregularities in Thursday’s elections.

The commonwealth body which went to monitor the Pakistan elections issued a preliminary statement on the Pakistan polls. In the statement, the body alluded to the instances of violence that took place during the polls, but glossed over the accusations of the elections being rigged.  

Amid the ongoing turmoil, ex-MNA Mohsin Dawar was injured in a “firing” incident in North Waziristan’s Miranshah. His party leader, Bushra Gohar took to X, to share an update on the situation. According to Dawn,  the chief of the National Democratic Movement, was contesting from the district’s NA-40 constituency. On Friday, Dawar alleged that there were attempts to rig the polling results. The incident came a month after he survived a gun attack on his convoy in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s tribal districts.

The Australian government on Saturday condemned the restriction Pakistani authorities imposed during elections. “Australia notes the initial results of Pakistan's general elections held on 8 February 2024. We express our condolences for the loss of life incurred by terrorist attacks in the lead-up to and during the elections. Australia welcomes the increase in the number of women registered to vote and the fact that millions of Pakistanis chose to vote,” the statement reads. 

“It is regrettable, however, that the Pakistani people were restricted in their choice since not all political parties were allowed to contest these elections,” the statement further reads. 

Hello Readers, 

Before we continue with our latest coverage on the 2024 Pakistan Election, here's a look at what has happened as of now: 

• On February 8, Pakistan went to polls after multiple delays. 
• Iman Khan's Pakistan Tehreek e Insaaf couldn't contest as a party since it lost its electoral bat symbol. Hence, the party members contested the polls as independents. 
• On the day of the polls, the authorities suspended mobile and internet services, citing security concerns. 
• Many accused the regime of rigging elections and videos of ruckus in poll stations circulated online. 
• Independent candidates backed by PTI left the country in shock as they gained major lead in the polls. 
• PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif celebrated "prematurely" and said that his party is open to forming an alliance with PPP and JUI-F. 
• PTI mulls an alliance with MWM, a small party that provided support to them during local elections. 

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The Pakistan Elections 2024 have been marked with violence and restrictions on the media. There have been protests and boycotts across the nation and in areas like Balochistan that are usually in revolt.

The following are the results declared by the Pakistan poll body, as of February 10 morning:

Imran Khan-backed candidates: 91
Nawaz Sharif's PML-N: 71
Bilawal Bhutto's PPP(P): 53
JUI-F (2)
Others: 33.

Pakistan Elections 2024: The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) have reportedly come to an agreement to form a coalition government in the country. The final results of the Pakistan Elections 2024 are yet to be declared.