Pakistan gears up for its upcoming elections on Thursday amidst the backdrop of the imprisonment of Imran Khan, who emerged victorious in the previous national election. Despite facing an economic crisis and various other challenges, the nuclear-armed nation braces for the electoral process.
The election campaign in Pakistan drew to a close on Tuesday, marked by an advisory from the country’s election commission restraining all political parties and candidates from further electioneering, as reported by Dawn.
On the final day of campaigning, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, chairperson of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), visited Larkana, the stronghold of the Bhutto political legacy. Meanwhile, Nawaz Sharif, leader of the Pakistan Muslim League (N), held a massive rally in Kasur, accompanied by his brother and former Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, who is contesting in that constituency.
Amidst a fervent crowd of tens of thousands waving green party flags, Sharif appealed to the nation’s youth to rally behind his party, cautioning against Khan, who previously garnered significant support from young voters in the region.”Don’t fall for him,” Sharif said.
Supporters of the rival Pakistan People’s Party congregated in Larkana, led by Zardari, who could potentially wield significant influence in coalition negotiations if no single party secures enough parliamentary seats for a clear majority.
Benazir Bhutto’s son and former foreign minister criticized opponents, including Sharif, accusing them of jeopardizing the country’s security and economy during their respective tenures.
However, the situation was markedly different for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), led by its incarcerated founder Khan. Khan urged his supporters to remain present outside polling booths after casting their votes.
The prospect of large gatherings of Khan’s supporters near polling booths raises concerns of potential tensions, given what they perceive as a military-backed crackdown on him and his party, which has constrained their campaigning efforts. The military, however, refutes any allegations of political interference.
However, the situation was markedly different for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), led by its incarcerated founder Khan. Khan urged his supporters to remain present outside polling booths after casting their votes.
The prospect of large gatherings of Khan’s supporters near polling booths raises concerns of potential tensions, given what they perceive as a military-backed crackdown on him and his party, which has constrained their campaigning efforts. The military, however, refutes any allegations of political interference.
“Encourage as many people as possible to vote, wait at the polling station… and then remain peacefully outside the Returning Officer’s office until the final results are announced,” Khan said via his social media platform, accompanied by an undated photograph depicting him dressed in simple black attire.
(Inputs from agencies)