ISLAMABAD: Malala Yousafzai, the Nobel laureate and activist, recently voiced her thoughts on Pakistan’s 2024 general elections through the social media platform X.
In her post, Malala underscored the significance of conducting free and fair elections, alongside the imperative of transparency in the vote-counting process and the respect for the people’s mandate.
“I remain steadfast in my belief that we must gracefully accept the decision of the voters. I earnestly hope that our elected representatives, regardless of their political affiliations, will prioritize democracy and the welfare of the Pakistani populace,” remarked Malala.
As the election results are still being tabulated, major political parties are deliberating on potential alliances, heightening anticipation among Pakistanis for the final outcome of the general elections.
Meanwhile, the Sindh High Court is currently inundated with challenges to the results of over 30 constituencies in Karachi, spanning the National and Provincial Assemblies, due to allegations of rigging.
The electoral landscape in Karachi is mired in controversy, with numerous candidates seeking legal recourse against perceived irregularities, rigging, and discrepancies in the recent elections.
Challenges have been mounted against various constituencies, including NA-234 Korangi, where MQM’s Aamir Moin’s victory is being contested; NA-239, where PPP candidate Nabil Gabol’s win is under scrutiny; as well as NA-240 represented by MQM’s Arshad Vohra and NA-241 represented by PPP’s Mirza Ikhtiar Baig.
The flurry of petitions contesting election results continues, with Jamaat-e-Islami joining the fray by challenging outcomes in four Sindh Assembly constituencies.
The victory of PPP’s Qadir Patel in NA-243 is also under dispute in the Sindh High Court, with PTI candidate Shujaat Ali Advocate filing a petition. The court has expedited the hearings for all election-related petitions.
Additionally, victories of MQM’s Khawaja Izhaar in NA-247 and Moeed Anwar in PS-101 are facing challenges in the Sindh High Court.
Allegations of irregularities have prompted challenges in various constituencies, citing changed results and discrepancies in tabulation.
Specific instances, such as the alteration of results in Form 47 for PS-101 allegedly favoring the MQM candidate, and claims by independent candidate Abbas Hasnain regarding Form 47 alterations in NA-247, highlight the contentious nature of the process.
Legal battles extend to both National and Provincial Assembly seats, with JI contesting outcomes in several constituencies, including PS-104, PS-124, PS-123, and PS-126.
