{"id":173216,"date":"2024-02-09T14:27:52","date_gmt":"2024-02-09T13:27:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/asyarfs.org\/?p=173216"},"modified":"2024-02-09T14:27:52","modified_gmt":"2024-02-09T13:27:52","slug":"with-over-half-the-seats-counted-imran-khans-supporters-lead-in-pakistan-polls","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/asyarfs.org\/with-over-half-the-seats-counted-imran-khans-supporters-lead-in-pakistan-polls\/","title":{"rendered":"With over half the seats counted, Imran Khan’s supporters lead in Pakistan polls"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/cloudfront-us-east-2.images.arcpublishing.com\/reuters\/APFNRBVWQNNXJP6HMGGIHAVZJ4.jpg?ssl=1\" alt=\"With over half the seats counted, Imran Khan's supporters lead in Pakistan polls | Reuters\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"text__text__1FZLe text__dark-grey__3Ml43 text__regular__2N1Xr text__small__1kGq2 body__full_width__ekUdw body__small_body__2vQyf article-body__paragraph__2-BtD\" data-testid=\"paragraph-0\">ISLAMABAD, Feb 9 (Reuters) – Independents backed by jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan won the most seats in Pakistan’s election on Friday after results from over half the constituencies were announced, leaving political parties trailing.<\/div>\n<div class=\"text__text__1FZLe text__dark-grey__3Ml43 text__regular__2N1Xr text__small__1kGq2 body__full_width__ekUdw body__small_body__2vQyf article-body__paragraph__2-BtD\" data-testid=\"paragraph-1\">Almost 24 hours have passed since the close of polls and the results have been unusually delayed, which the government ascribed to the suspension of mobile phone services – a security measure ahead of Thursday’s election.<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-body__element__2p5pI\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"text__text__1FZLe text__dark-grey__3Ml43 text__regular__2N1Xr text__small__1kGq2 body__full_width__ekUdw body__small_body__2vQyf article-body__paragraph__2-BtD\" data-testid=\"paragraph-2\">Of the 136 seats counted by 1045 GMT from 235 contested, independent candidates backed by Khan had won 49, according to a Reuters tally of results declared by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).<\/div>\n<div class=\"text__text__1FZLe text__dark-grey__3Ml43 text__regular__2N1Xr text__small__1kGq2 body__full_width__ekUdw body__small_body__2vQyf article-body__paragraph__2-BtD\" data-testid=\"paragraph-3\">Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) won 42 while the Pakistan Peoples Party of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the son of assassinated premier Benazir Bhutto, got 34.<\/div>\n<div class=\"text__text__1FZLe text__dark-grey__3Ml43 text__regular__2N1Xr text__small__1kGq2 body__full_width__ekUdw body__small_body__2vQyf article-body__paragraph__2-BtD\" data-testid=\"paragraph-4\">The rest were won by small parties and other independents.<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-body__element__2p5pI\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"text__text__1FZLe text__dark-grey__3Ml43 text__regular__2N1Xr text__small__1kGq2 body__full_width__ekUdw body__small_body__2vQyf article-body__paragraph__2-BtD\" data-testid=\"paragraph-5\">Independent members cannot form a government on their own under Pakistan’s complex election system which also includes reserved seats that will be allotted to parties based on their winnings.<\/div>\n<div class=\"text__text__1FZLe text__dark-grey__3Ml43 text__regular__2N1Xr text__small__1kGq2 body__full_width__ekUdw body__small_body__2vQyf article-body__paragraph__2-BtD\" data-testid=\"paragraph-6\">But independent members have the option to join any party after the elections.<\/div>\n<div class=\"text__text__1FZLe text__dark-grey__3Ml43 text__regular__2N1Xr text__small__1kGq2 body__full_width__ekUdw body__small_body__2vQyf article-body__paragraph__2-BtD\" data-testid=\"paragraph-7\">Khan is in jail and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party was barred from the election, so his supporters contested as independents.<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-body__element__2p5pI\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"text__text__1FZLe text__dark-grey__3Ml43 text__regular__2N1Xr text__small__1kGq2 body__full_width__ekUdw body__small_body__2vQyf article-body__paragraph__2-BtD\" data-testid=\"paragraph-8\">Analysts have predicted there may be no clear winner, adding to the woes of a country struggling to recover from an\u00a0<a class=\"text__text__1FZLe text__inherit-color__3208F text__inherit-font__1Y8w3 text__inherit-size__1DZJi link__link__3Ji6W link__underline_default__2prE_\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/world\/asia-pacific\/multiple-challenges-face-winner-pakistans-upcoming-general-election-2024-02-06\/\" data-testid=\"Link\">economic crisis<\/a>\u00a0while it grapples with rising militant violence in a deeply polarised political environment.<\/div>\n<div class=\"text__text__1FZLe text__dark-grey__3Ml43 text__regular__2N1Xr text__small__1kGq2 body__full_width__ekUdw body__small_body__2vQyf article-body__paragraph__2-BtD\" data-testid=\"paragraph-9\">“A timely announcement of the results, leading to a smooth formation of a new government will reduce policy and political uncertainty,” Moody’s Investors Service said. “This is crucial for the country that is facing very challenging macroeconomic conditions.”<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-body__element__2p5pI\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"text__text__1FZLe text__dark-grey__3Ml43 text__regular__2N1Xr text__small__1kGq2 body__full_width__ekUdw body__small_body__2vQyf article-body__paragraph__2-BtD\" data-testid=\"paragraph-10\">The delay in the announcement of results was unusual for elections in Pakistan. Karachi’s stock index and Pakistan’s sovereign bonds fell because of the uncertainty.<\/div>\n<div class=\"text__text__1FZLe text__dark-grey__3Ml43 text__regular__2N1Xr text__small__1kGq2 body__full_width__ekUdw body__small_body__2vQyf article-body__paragraph__2-BtD\" data-testid=\"paragraph-11\">An “internet issue” was the reason behind the delay, Zafar Iqbal, special secretary at the ECP, said without elaborating.<\/div>\n<div class=\"text__text__1FZLe text__dark-grey__3Ml43 text__regular__2N1Xr text__small__1kGq2 body__full_width__ekUdw body__small_body__2vQyf article-body__paragraph__2-BtD\" data-testid=\"paragraph-12\">The\u00a0<a class=\"text__text__1FZLe text__inherit-color__3208F text__inherit-font__1Y8w3 text__inherit-size__1DZJi link__link__3Ji6W link__underline_default__2prE_\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/world\/asia-pacific\/who-are-key-players-pakistans-general-elections-2024-02-07\/\" data-testid=\"Link\">main electoral battle<\/a>\u00a0was expected to be between candidates backed by\u00a0<a class=\"text__text__1FZLe text__inherit-color__3208F text__inherit-font__1Y8w3 text__inherit-size__1DZJi link__link__3Ji6W link__underline_default__2prE_\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/world\/asia-pacific\/how-imran-khan-is-campaigning-jail-pakistan-ai-covert-canvassing-2024-02-05\/\" data-testid=\"Link\">Khan<\/a>, whose PTI won the last national election, and the PML-N of Sharif. Khan believes the powerful military is\u00a0<a class=\"text__text__1FZLe text__inherit-color__3208F text__inherit-font__1Y8w3 text__inherit-size__1DZJi link__link__3Ji6W link__underline_default__2prE_\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/world\/asia-pacific\/repeated-arrests-filthy-cells-inside-pakistans-crackdown-2023-06-06\/\" data-testid=\"Link\">behind a crackdown<\/a>\u00a0to hound his party out of existence, while analysts and opponents say Sharif is being backed by the generals.<\/div>\n<div class=\"text__text__1FZLe text__dark-grey__3Ml43 text__regular__2N1Xr text__small__1kGq2 body__full_width__ekUdw body__small_body__2vQyf article-body__paragraph__2-BtD\" data-testid=\"paragraph-13\">The military has dominated the nuclear-armed country either directly or indirectly in its 76 years of independence but for several years it has maintained it does not interfere in politics.<\/div>\n<div class=\"text__text__1FZLe text__dark-grey__3Ml43 text__regular__2N1Xr text__small__1kGq2 body__full_width__ekUdw body__small_body__2vQyf article-body__paragraph__2-BtD\" data-testid=\"paragraph-14\">Sharif, considered by many observers to\u00a0<a class=\"text__text__1FZLe text__inherit-color__3208F text__inherit-font__1Y8w3 text__inherit-size__1DZJi link__link__3Ji6W link__underline_default__2prE_\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/world\/asia-pacific\/party-pakistans-ex-pm-nawaz-sharif-launches-election-campaign-2024-01-15\/\" data-testid=\"Link\">be a strong candidate<\/a>, has dismissed talk of an unclear result but a close aide, Ishaq Dar, told GEO TV that the party could form a coalition with the support of independents.<\/div>\n<div class=\"text__text__1FZLe text__dark-grey__3Ml43 text__regular__2N1Xr text__small__1kGq2 body__full_width__ekUdw body__small_body__2vQyf article-body__paragraph__2-BtD\" data-testid=\"paragraph-15\">“I am confident that we will form a government,” Dar said.<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"text__text__1FZLe text__dark-grey__3Ml43 text__medium__1kbOh text__heading_6__1qUJ5 heading__base__2T28j heading__heading_6__RtD9P article-body__heading__33EIm\" data-testid=\"Heading\">IMF BAILOUT<\/h2>\n<div class=\"text__text__1FZLe text__dark-grey__3Ml43 text__regular__2N1Xr text__small__1kGq2 body__full_width__ekUdw body__small_body__2vQyf article-body__paragraph__2-BtD\" data-testid=\"paragraph-16\">If the election does not result in a clear majority for anyone, as analysts are predicting, tackling\u00a0<a class=\"text__text__1FZLe text__inherit-color__3208F text__inherit-font__1Y8w3 text__inherit-size__1DZJi link__link__3Ji6W link__underline_default__2prE_\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/world\/asia-pacific\/multiple-challenges-face-winner-pakistans-upcoming-general-election-2024-02-06\/\" data-testid=\"Link\">multiple challenges<\/a>\u00a0will be tricky – foremost being seeking a new bailout programme from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) after the\u00a0<a class=\"text__text__1FZLe text__inherit-color__3208F text__inherit-font__1Y8w3 text__inherit-size__1DZJi link__link__3Ji6W link__underline_default__2prE_\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/markets\/asia\/imf-board-approves-700-mln-loan-part-pakistan-bailout-2024-01-11\/\" data-testid=\"Link\">current arrangement expires<\/a>\u00a0in three weeks.<\/div>\n<div class=\"text__text__1FZLe text__dark-grey__3Ml43 text__regular__2N1Xr text__small__1kGq2 body__full_width__ekUdw body__small_body__2vQyf article-body__paragraph__2-BtD\" data-testid=\"paragraph-17\">A coalition government “would probably be unstable, weak” and “the big loser…will be the army. Because the army really has staked its reputation on its ability to deliver this vote”, said Marvin Weinbaum, Director of Afghanistan and Pakistan Studies at the Middle East Institute in Washington.<\/div>\n<div class=\"text__text__1FZLe text__dark-grey__3Ml43 text__regular__2N1Xr text__small__1kGq2 body__full_width__ekUdw body__small_body__2vQyf article-body__paragraph__2-BtD\" data-testid=\"paragraph-18\">The election was expected to help resolve the crises Pakistan has been dealing with but a fractured verdict “could very well be the basis for even deeper exposure to forces which would create instability”, he said.<\/div>\n<div class=\"text__text__1FZLe text__dark-grey__3Ml43 text__regular__2N1Xr text__small__1kGq2 body__full_width__ekUdw body__small_body__2vQyf article-body__paragraph__2-BtD\" data-testid=\"paragraph-19\">Thousands of troops were deployed on the streets and at polling stations across the country for the voting on Thursday. Borders with Iran and Afghanistan were temporarily closed as security was stepped up.<\/div>\n<div class=\"text__text__1FZLe text__dark-grey__3Ml43 text__regular__2N1Xr text__small__1kGq2 body__full_width__ekUdw body__small_body__2vQyf article-body__paragraph__2-BtD\" data-testid=\"paragraph-20\">Despite the heightened security, 28 people, including two children, were killed in 56 violent incidents including bomb blasts, grenade attacks and shootings by militants, the Interior Ministry said.<\/div>\n<div class=\"text__text__1FZLe text__dark-grey__3Ml43 text__regular__2N1Xr text__small__1kGq2 body__full_width__ekUdw body__small_body__2vQyf article-body__paragraph__2-BtD\" data-testid=\"paragraph-21\">“Despite a few isolated incidents, the overall situation remained under control, demonstrating the effectiveness of our security measures,” Interior Minister Gohar Ejaz said.<\/div>\n<div class=\"text__text__1FZLe text__dark-grey__3Ml43 text__regular__2N1Xr text__small__1kGq2 body__full_width__ekUdw body__small_body__2vQyf article-body__paragraph__2-BtD\" data-testid=\"paragraph-22\">Washington was concerned about “steps that were taken to restrict freedom of expression, specifically around internet and cellphone use,” State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel told reporters.<\/div>\n<div class=\"text__text__1FZLe text__dark-grey__3Ml43 text__regular__2N1Xr text__small__1kGq2 body__full_width__ekUdw body__small_body__2vQyf article-body__paragraph__2-BtD\" data-testid=\"paragraph-23\">The U.S. strongly condemned election-related violence both in the run-up to the polls and on election day, Patel added.<\/div>\n<div class=\"text__text__1FZLe text__dark-grey__3Ml43 text__regular__2N1Xr text__small__1kGq2 body__full_width__ekUdw body__small_body__2vQyf article-body__paragraph__2-BtD\" data-testid=\"paragraph-24\">United Nations Secretary-General\u00a0<a class=\"text__text__1FZLe text__inherit-color__3208F text__inherit-font__1Y8w3 text__inherit-size__1DZJi link__link__3Ji6W link__underline_default__2prE_\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/world\/asia-pacific\/un-chief-concerned-by-violence-communication-restriction-pakistan-election-day-2024-02-08\/\" data-testid=\"Link\">Antonio Guterres<\/a>\u00a0also expressed concern about the violence and the suspension of mobile communications services, his spokesperson said in an e-mailed statement.<\/div>\n<div class=\"text__text__1FZLe text__dark-grey__3Ml43 text__regular__2N1Xr text__small__1kGq2 body__full_width__ekUdw body__small_body__2vQyf article-body__paragraph__2-BtD\" data-testid=\"paragraph-25\">Amnesty International called the suspension of mobile services “a blunt attack on the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly”.<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-body__element__2p5pI\">\n<p class=\"text__text__1FZLe text__dark-grey__3Ml43 text__regular__2N1Xr text__extra_small__1Mw6v body__full_width__ekUdw body__extra_small_body__3QTYe sign-off__text__PU3Aj\" data-testid=\"Body\">Reporting by Asif Shahzad and Charlotte Greenfield in Islamabad, Mushtaq Ali in Peshawar, Salim Ahmed in Quetta, and Saud Mehsud in Dera Ismail Khan; additional reporting by Simon Lewis in Washington; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan, Lincoln Feast and YP Rajesh<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>ISLAMABAD, Feb 9 (Reuters) – Independents backed by jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan won the most seats in Pakistan’s…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"_price":"","_stock":"","_tribe_ticket_header":"","_tribe_default_ticket_provider":"","_tribe_ticket_capacity":"0","_ticket_start_date":"","_ticket_end_date":"","_tribe_ticket_show_description":"","_tribe_ticket_show_not_going":false,"_tribe_ticket_use_global_stock":"","_tribe_ticket_global_stock_level":"","_global_stock_mode":"","_global_stock_cap":"","_tribe_rsvp_for_event":"","_tribe_ticket_going_count":"","_tribe_ticket_not_going_count":"","_tribe_tickets_list":"[]","_tribe_ticket_has_attendee_info_fields":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[136],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-173216","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-news"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pa6gfq-J3O","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/asyarfs.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/173216","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/asyarfs.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/asyarfs.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/asyarfs.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/asyarfs.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=173216"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/asyarfs.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/173216\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":173219,"href":"https:\/\/asyarfs.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/173216\/revisions\/173219"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/asyarfs.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=173216"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/asyarfs.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=173216"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/asyarfs.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=173216"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}