INTERNATIONAL

Political crisis in Pakistan escalates with former Prime Minister Imran Khan's party holding nationwide protests amid delay in poll results and allegations of rigging

• 11 Feb 2024

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf party has given an ultimatum to a nationwide protest as national assembly poll results are still awaited. Khan's party PTI has urged the Election Commission of Pakistan to announce complete results by midnight. Moreover, PTI has also called for a protest today at McPherson Square in Washington DC, United States of America, alleging fraud in electoral process.

 Amid protest calls by several political parties, heavy police force and water cannon are deployed at Liberty Chowk in Lahore. Another political party Jamaat e Islami Pakistan has made a call for protest at eight major spots in Lahore later today. On the other hand, Section 144 was imposed in Islamabad today morning. In a social media post, the Islamabad Police said that some people are inciting illegal gatherings around Election Commission and other government institutions, it should be noted that inciting to gather is also a crime.

As per the latest updates from the local media, independent candidates backed by Imran Khan's PTI are leading with 101 seats, followed by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’ with 75 seats and then Pakistan People’s Party with 54 seats.