Pakistan's PM-in-waiting Imran Khan thanked his supporters for a "historic election" and vowed to usher in a "new Pakistan", as he addressed the media on 26 July.
The cricketer-turned-politician's 'victory speech' came even as counting trends showed that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) would have to stitch together a coalition to form the government, despite leaving its nearest opponent behind by almost double the number of seats.
Current Trends: PTI 118 | PML-N 61 | PPP 40 | OTHERS 50
- According to Election Commission of Pakistan, the results have been delayed due to a technical glitch
- Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief Shehbaz Sharif has “rejected” the result, alleging blatant rigging of the elections
- At stake: A total of 849 directly elected seats, including 272 in the National Assembly (NA) and 577 seats in provincial Assemblies (PA) – Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan & Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
India, Pak Should End Blame Game
Pakistan's PM-in-waiting Imran Khan said that he was one of those politicians who wanted good relations with India. He said that India and Pakistan should end the blame game over Pakistan and resume talks with each other.
I was saddened by the way Indian media recently projected me. I am one of those Pakistanis that wants good relations with India, if we want to have a poverty free subcontinent then we must have good relations and trade tiesImran Khan
Khan accused India of violating human rights in Kashmir, adding that people of the state have suffered because of this.
“Pakistan is ready to improve its ties with India. If New Delhi moves one step forward, we will move two,” said Khan.
Watch: PTI Chief Imran Khan Addresses Pakistan Media
Live: Imran Khan addresses the media as his party, PTI, takes a lead in Pakistan.
The QuintThursday, July 26, 2018Pakistan's PM-in-waiting Imran Khan, speaking to the media on Thursday, 26 July, said that he has finally got the chance to serve his nation.
I thank god, after 22 years of struggle, my prayers have been answered. I have got the chance to fulfill my dream and serve the nationImran KhanKhan said that the reason he entered politics, was to make Pakistan the country that Muhammad Ali Jinnah envisioned.
We have to fight poverty, its a big challenge. China is the biggest example in front of us, it lifted 70 crore people out of poverty in the last 30 years, it was unprecedented.Imran KhanHe said that the country was witnessing the strengthening of democracy and that the election process was completed successfully, despite many terror attacks.
Imran Khan Defeats Saad Rafique in Lahore
Imran Khan defeated Saad Rafique in NA-131 (Lahore-IX), unofficial results revealed, reported Express Tribune.
Happy With Imran Khan's Victory, Says Musharraf
Former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf speaking to News18, welcomed the mandate by saying that Pakistan has elected a “capable” Imran Khan as the prime minister.
I'm very happy. Imran Khan has some problem areas, but he is a very honest man, wants to do good and has some good qualities too.Imran Khan to News18He added that Khan knew his strategic path, but must learn governance. He also rejected claims about election rigging, saying it was Pakistan's habit.
I don't think the allegations of rigging are true. It is a problem with Pakistan that whoever loses starts complaining about rigging.Imran Khan to News18The former president also added that the governance of Punjab was of “utmost importance.”
Elaborating on whether Imran Khan was anti-India, he said:
Some in the Indian media were saying how Imran Khan would punish India once in power. That is a very wrong perception. Imran Khan has never said anything about punishing India.Imran Khan to News18First Hindu Woman to Contest in Provincial Assembly Elections Trailing
Sunita Parmar Menghwar, the first woman from the Hindu woman to contest the provincial assembly is losing to PPP and GDA leaders Faqeer Sher Bilalani and Arbab Togachi, reported Geo News.
Former PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi Loses to PTI's Sadaqat Abbasi
PTI's Sadaqat Abbasi today defeated the former prime minister of Pakistan and PML-N candidate Shahid Khaqan Abbasi by a margin of over 5000 votes.
#PakistanElections2018: PTI's Sadaqat Ali Abbasi defeats PML-N's Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, the former prime minister of Pakistan, in NA-57 Murree, unofficial results from all polling stations. (Info and photo courtesy- Geo News) pic.twitter.com/ghrSkxEb8b
July 26, 2018Imran is Army's Candidate, Says Union Minister RK Singh
Union Minister RK Singh, reacting to election results in Pakistan, said that Imran Khan was always a military candidate, adding that it wasn't India but the people of Pakistan who said the same.
"It was rigged. Observers have said it was rigged. Military was there on the polling booths. You ensured that Nawaz Sharif & his daughter land in jail & don't get to campaign. You ensured disturbances in Bilawal Bhutto's meetings," Singh told ANI.
It was rigged. Observers have said it was rigged. Military was there on the polling booths. You ensured that Nawaz Sharif & his daughter land in jail & don't get to campaign. You ensured disturbances in Bilawal Bhutto's meetings: Union Minister RK Singh on #PakistanElection pic.twitter.com/20m8ZzzmAF
July 26, 2018Imran Khan Leads in all Five Seats he Contested From, Shehbaz Loses
PTI chairman Imran Khan is leading in all five constituencies he contested from— NA-35, NA-53, NA-95, NA-131 and NA-243, The Express Tribune reported. PML-N chief Shehbaz Sharif, however, lost from one of the two seats he contested from.
Remember the Reason You Entered Politics: Jemima Goldsmith, Imran's Ex-wife
Imran Khan's ex-wife Jemima Goldsmith today tweeted that 22 years after PTI chief Imran Khan took a plunge into politics, his "tenacity, belief and refusal to accept defeat" had finally paved the way for his triumph in Pakistan. In a tweet, Jemima, however, reminded Imran that he needed to remember the reason he had entered politics.
I remember IK's 1st election in 1997- untested, idealistic & politically naive. I waited up for the call in LHR with 3 mo old Sulaiman, who I had lugged around the country. Eventually he called. “It's a clean sweep" & after my gasp, “… the other way.” He roared with laughter
July 26, 201822 years later, after humiliations, hurdles and sacrifices, my sons' father is Pakistan's next PM. It's an incredible lesson in tenacity, belief & refusal to accept defeat. The challenge now is to remember why he entered politics in the 1st place. Congratulations @ImranKhanPTI
July 26, 2018Mehbooba Mufti Hopes for Stable Government in Pakistan
Former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday tweeted that she hoped election in Pakistan will lead to a stable government, adding that a democratic Pakistan is in the “best interests of its neighbourhood especially India”.
Hoping today's election in Pakistan leads to a stable government as a democratic Pakistan is in the best interests of its neighbourhood especially India. #PakistanElections2018
July 25, 2018PTI Extends its Lead to 119 Seats, Reports Geo News
Imran Khan-led PTI on Thursday morning extended its lead to 119 seats, almost the double of arch enemy PML-N, which is leading in 61 seats. PTI still needs another 18 seats to establish a clear majority in the lower house which has 272 elected members.
#PakistanElections2018 As per latest unofficial trends on Geo news, PTI leading on 119 seats, PMLN on 61 seats & PPP on 40 pic.twitter.com/RJXo1RyPRA
July 26, 2018Imarn Khan Wins From the Islamabad Seat
As per unofficial trends on Geo news, PTI chief Imran Khan on Thursday won from the Islamabad NA-53 seat.
As per latest unofficial trends on Geo news, PTI's Imran Khan wins NA-53 Islamabad 2 with 92,891 votes . #PakistanElections2018 pic.twitter.com/LnyUyJlPAG
July 26, 2018Human Rights Commission of Pakistan Observes Irregularities
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) today said it had observed that polling staff in some places appeared to be favouring a certain political party. The HRCP's preliminary report also said that women in some areas were asked about their choice of candidate. The report further said that women were not allowed to cast the ballot in many areas.
Imran's PTI Maintains Lead, But Away from Halfway Mark
Despite Imran Khan's PTI surging ahead in 114 seats, it's still away from the required 137-seat mark to gain a clear majority in the national assembly that has 272 elected members. Imran may have to look for some coalition partners to form the government. The PTI had, last night, tweeted that it would wait for final results before commenting on the formation of the next government.
The PTI had, in May 2018, rejected PPP's offer for a post-poll alliance after the latter expressed the willingness to join hands with Imran Khan's party.
“Thank you Mr Zardari, we will not be requiring anyone's support. The PTI will emerge as the single largest party in parliament after the elections and will form government on its own,” said PTI information secretary Fawad Chaudhry while commenting on Mr Zardari's statement.
Even though the party, as of now, looks set to emerge as the single-largest party, it will require the support to form the government.
We will wait for complete results before making a comment on formation of government etc. @SMQureshiPTI #JeetayGaKaptaan
July 25, 2018PML-N 'Wholly Rejects' Election Results
Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) chairman Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday, 25 July, said that his party rejected the general election results for what he called “manifest and massive irregularities”. Shehbaz alleged that votes were counted in the absence of poll agents.
Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) wholly rejects the results of General Elections 2018 due to manifest & massive irregularities. Form 45 was not given to our agents, results were stopped & votes were counted in the absence of our poll agents. This is both unbearable & unacceptable!
July 25, 2018Election Commission Rejects 'Rigging' Allegations
The Election Commission of Pakistan on Wednesday night rejected the allegations of any wrongdoing in the general election after several political parties raised objections over the process and said they feared rigging.
The ECP said the election results were being collected and the first official result will be announced in an hour.
Result Transmission Service Stopped Working and Delayed Results: ECP
Speaking to the media about the delay in election results, Babar Yaqoob, secretary, Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), said:
The Result Transmission Service stopped working under pressure and has delayed the results. Presiding officers have been asked to meet their returning officers, along with army officers assigned to their voting booths, with the results.Babar Yaqoob, Secretary, ECP, as quoted by ANIImran Khan Leads in NA-53 Islamabad-II Constituency Over Shahid Khaqan Abbasi
Results Delayed Due to Technical Glitch: Reports
The Pakistan election results have been delayed due to a technical glitch, Geo TV reported, citing sources.
'Inexcusable and Outrageous': Bilawal Bhutto Slams Counting Process
Along with Shehbaz Sharif, PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also raised objections about the counting process, saying it was "inexcusable and outrageous".
It's now past midnight & I haven't received official results from any constituency I am contesting my myself. My candidates complaining polling agents have been thrown out of polling stations across the country. Inexcusable & outrageous.
July 25, 2018'We Reject This Result': PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif
Addressing a press conference while the counting was going on, PML-N leader and PM hopeful Shehbaz Sharif said he and his party "reject" the Pakistan General Election results, as he asserted his objections to the counting process.
He was quoted by Dawn as saying:
Until a little while ago, no official results of Lahore constituency were in. From Rahim Yar Khan to the rest of Pakistan, we are getting complaints that we [PMLN polling agents] are not getting form 45 and that our people are being removed from polling stations. We reject this result.Shehbaz Sharif, PML-N President'Counting Process Being Carried Out Behind Closed Doors': PML-N
PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb raised objections over the counting process and alleged that her party's agents were being forced out from the polling stations in several constituencies, reported PTI.
The counting process is being carried out behind closed doors and changes are being made to Form-45.PML-N spokesperson Marriyum AurangzebPTI Declares Imran Khan as the PM in a Tweet
Ahead of the results, Imran Khan's party PTI referred to him as the Prime Minister in a tweet, saying:
Pakistanio!
July 25, 2018
Are you ready for Prime Minister Imran Khan?
PTI: 112, PMLN: 52
InshaAllah! #JeetayGaKaptaan #WazirEAzamImranKhan pic.twitter.com/QvK2f8mWEgPML-N Alleges Rigging in Elections
According to Times Now, PML-N has alleged rigging in the voting, and called for an emergency press briefing.
Former Deputy Speaker Leads from Abbottabad
Former deputy speaker and PML-N candidate Murtaza Abbasi is leading with 31,320 votes in NA-15 Abbottabad. PTI's Ali Asghar is second with 25,460, reported Samaa TV citing unofficial results.
Imran Khan Wins Karachi East: Samaa TV
PTI chairman Imran Khan has won Karachi East, reported Samaa TV. The party is currently leading in 94 seats.
PTI Retains Lead in Punjab
Quoting unofficial results, The Express Tribune reported PTI leading across 54 Punjab seats, PML-N in 43 seats.
Shehbaz Sharif's Son Leads in Lahore II
PTI Celebrates as Early Trends Show Lead
PTI has begun celebrations, after early trends put the party at a lead.
Kaptaan is now just few steps away from becoming the Prime Minister of Pakistan 🇵🇰#AbSirfImranKhan #BallayPeThappa pic.twitter.com/HGl7Rz0hGj
July 25, 2018Former PM Abbasi Trailing in NA-57
Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, PML-N candidate and former prime minister of Pakistan trails with 4,677 votes in NA-57. PTI's Sadaqat Abbasi is leading with 6,394 votes, reported Samaa TV, quoting unofficial results.
Imran Khan Leads in All 5 Seats
PPP Leads in Nawabshah
PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari is leading with 3,461 votes in NA-213 Nawabshah. GDA's Sheer Muhammad Rind is second with 558 votes, reports Samaa TV, citing unofficial results.
Imran Khan Leads in Islamabad
Shehbaz Sharif Trails in Rajanpur
PML-N president Shehbaz Sharif is trailing in Rajanpur, reported Samaa TV. According to the channel, Sardar Muhammad Laghari of the PTI is leading with 928 votes while Sharif is trailing with 524 votes.
Bilawal Bhutto Leading in Lyari
PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto is leading in NA-246 Lyari with 1,754 votes, reported Samaa TV, citing unofficial results. Bhutto is also reportedly leading in Larkana, while trailing in Malakand.
PTI Trails in 4 Sindh Seats, While PPP Leads
According to The Express Tribune, Imran Khan's PTI is trailing across four Sindh PA (provincial assembly) seats, while Bilawal Bhutto's PPP is leading in six PA seats across the region.
Imran Khan May Face ECP Action Over Poll Conduct Violation
PTI chief Imran Khan's vote from a parliamentary seat in Islamabad, from where he is also contesting the general elections, may be cancelled by the election commission for allegedly violating the code of conduct, according to media reports.
President of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Shahbaz Sharif and former foreign minister Khawaja Asif may also face action after the poll panel took serious note of them interaction with the media after casting their votes.
Polling Ends
Polling for the general elections has concluded in Pakistan, reported Dawn. Pakistan TV channels have been asked by the ECP to refrain from broadcasting election trends till 7 pm. (7:30 pm IST)
Pakistan EC Turns Down Extension Requests
According to Dawn, the Election Commission has turned down requests for extension in polling time.
Quetta Death Toll Increases to 31
The death toll from the Quetta blast has increased from 25 persons to 31, reported local news daily Dawn.
PTI Chief Imran Khan Casts Ballot
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf chief Imran Khan cast his vote in Pakistan capital Islamabad.
WATCH: Imran Khan casts his vote in Islamabad | Follow LIVE updates here on #PakistanElections2018: https://t.co/fepjRfhVP8 pic.twitter.com/uyDa4fZZYb
July 25, 2018LeT Chief Hafiz Saeed Votes in Lahore, Urges Everyone to Exercise Their Franchise
Lashkar-e-Taiba chief and 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed cast his vote on Wednesday in Pakistan's Lahore city. The LeT chief said that everyone should exercise their right to vote and contribute towards making Pakistan a better and secure country.
Islamic State Claims Responsibility for Attack in Quetta
Within hours of a horrific attack, which killed over two dozen people and injured several others in Balochistan's capital Quetta, the Islamic State claimed the responsibility, news agency Reuters reported on Wednesday.
Shehbaz Sharif, Tahir-ul-Qadri and Imran Khan Condemn Attack in Quetta
PML-N chief Shehbaz Sharif, PTI chairman Imran Khan, and Tahir-ul-Qadri have condemned the horrific attack, which killed at least 25 people and injured over two dozen people in Balochistan capital Quetta.
Heart broken to learn of martyrdom of innocent people including police officials & injuries sustained by others in a terrorist attack in Quetta at a time when the people are exercising their democratic right of vote. My profound condolences to the bereaved families.
July 25, 2018I am saddened by the terrorist attack in #Quetta that resulted in the loss of innocent lives. To fight terrorism, civil-military institutions and the nation should be on same page. My thoughts are with the families of the deceased & prayers with the injured.
July 25, 2018Lashkar-e-Taiba Chief Hafiz Saeed Casts Vote
Lashkar-e-Taiba chief and 26/11 Mumbai attacks mastermind Hafiz Saeed on Wednesday cast his ballot at a polling booth in Pakistan's Lahore city.
Lashkar-e-Taiba chief and Mumbai 26/11 attacks mastermind Hafiz Saeed casts his vote at a polling booth in Lahore. #PakistanElections2018 pic.twitter.com/nKdXt3kQZA
July 25, 2018Blast in Balochistan Capital Quetta, Several Injured
Several people sustained injuries in an explosion near eastern bypass in the restive Balochistan capital, Quetta, on Wednesday, 25 July. The scale of damage and its impact on polling is yet to be ascertained, Dawn reported.
Transgender Voters not Allowed to Vote: Report
Dawn news reported it was receiving information that transgender voters were not permitted to vote at male polling booths in Lahore.
One Killed in Clashes Between PTI and Awami National Party Workers
A Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf party worker was killed when clashes broke out between the workers of Imran Khan-led party and Awami National Party workers in PK-57 constituency of Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Dawn reported on Wednesday morning.
Benazir Bhutto's daughters Bakhtawar and Aseefa Cast Their Vote
Bakhtawar and Aseefa, daughters of former Prime Minister of Pakistan Benazir Bhutto, cast their vote in the Sindh province's Nawabshah constituency on Wednesday morning. Benazir's son Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, leader of the Pakistan People's Party, is trying to revive the fortunes of the country's only left-leaning party.
Daughters of Benazir Bhutto- Bakhtawar and Aseefa after casting their vote in Sindh's Nawabshah. #PakistanElections2018 pic.twitter.com/6iZTPSozGb
July 25, 2018TV Channels Asked not to Carry Election-related Shows/Discussions
The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) has directed TV channels in Pakistan have been directed not to carry any election-related programmes forthwith, Dawn reported on Wednesday.
PML-N Chief Shehbaz Sharif Casts His Vote
PML-N chief Shehbaz Sharif, accompanied by party workers and supporters, reached a polling booth in Model Town to cast his vote on Wednesday. Dawn reported that Shehbaz urged voters to come out and vote.
Lahore: PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif stand in a queue outside a polling station in Model Town to cast his vote for #PakistanElections2018 pic.twitter.com/d6AErF3LSv
July 25, 2018Pakistan General Election: Voting Begins
According to Pakistan English daily Dawn, 106 million voters are expected to exercise their franchise today. Voters have started queuing up outside voting booths across the country.
#PakistanElection2018: Its 8am & Polling has just begun in Pakistan. Voters are queuing up in Shabqadar town of Pakistan's northwestern KP province to poll their vote. #PakistanVotes #PakistanDecides2018 #PakistanElection pic.twitter.com/D6Z9cfTDlX
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