Pakistan witnessed a tense Election Day on February 8, 2024, marked by claims of rigging, violence, and political tensions as a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) claimed victory amid ongoing vote counting.

Barrister Ali Zafar, representing PTI, asserted victory and expressed confidence in forming the next government. Concurrently, PTI’s Sher Afzal Marwat urged party supporters to gather outside polling stations, showcasing solidarity amidst the electoral process.

However, the election was marred by allegations of irregularities and clashes, prompting concerns from various quarters. US lawmaker Rashida Tlaib voiced solidarity with the Pakistani people, highlighting the precarious state of their democracy amidst the turmoil.

Mainstream political parties, including the PPP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and PTI, called upon the Election Commission of Pakistan to address reported instances of rigging at polling stations nationwide. In Karachi, the PPP reported incidents of ballot paper snatching in the PS-105 constituency, while the JI accused MQM-P workers of attempting to disrupt voting at several locations. Social media circulated videos showing masked individuals entering polling stations in Karachi, intensifying concerns over electoral integrity.

From Balochistan, Akhtar Mengal filed a complaint with the ECP, alleging misconduct by the station house officer in Quetta, involving the mishandling of “900 votes.” Similarly, former lawmaker Mohsin Dawar raised concerns over “large-scale rigging” in North Waziristan’s NA-40 (Tappi) constituency.

In Punjab, Rehana Dar, a PTI-backed candidate for Sialkot, reported that the returning officer had denied her Form 45, adding to the litany of grievances echoing across the country.

As the nation awaits the final outcome of the election, Pakistan’s democratic process remains under scrutiny, with calls for transparency and accountability echoing louder amidst the chaos of Election Day.