The voting for the General Elections in the world’s fifth largest democracy Pakistan finally ends now and the process of vote counting starts.

Nationwide the process of casting votes have started soon after the polling commenced at 8am this morning and will continue till 5pm.

As per details, several polling stations in Karachi faced huge delay due to the absence of polling staff whereas people were standing in long queues outside those polling stations since morning.

The concerned authorities endeavor to ensure a smooth, free, fair, transparent and uninterrupted electoral process.

Over 128 million registered voters will have their say in today's much-awaited general elections that will elect the 16th legislative assembly in the centre.

People will be casting their votes at 90,675 polling stations for a total of 5,121 candidates contesting for the 266 seats of the constituent assembly.

There are 128 million registered voters in the country, according to the data of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

The last polls were held in July 2018 in which Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) secured majority seats and formed the government in the centre led by Imran Khan. Out of the total 90,675 polling stations, 46,065 have been labelled as sensitive and 18,437 others as highly sensitive, according to ECP data.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja Wednesday talked to the chief secretaries and inspectors general of police (IGPs) of the four provinces and directed them to keep security on high alert to ensure the security of voters.

DI Khan blast: at least 5 cops martyred, two others injured

Amid the ongoing general elections in the country, in an unfortunate incident at least five cops martyred and two others sustained injuries as explosion occurred near police vehicle in Kulachi DI Khan.

As per details, the explosion occurred in Garah Aslam area of Kulachi which targeted a police vehicle. According to police officials, the dead bodies and injured have been transferred via a helicopter to DI Khan.

Yesterday, a hand grenade blast occurred in Karachi’s Gulshan-e-Iqbal area, leaving three persons dead and two injured.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Irfan Bahadur said that a grenade exploded in the hands of 17-year-old Farooq, the son of a police officer. The SSP said that Farooq came out of his residence in Haji Limu Goth of Gulshan-e-Iqbal with a hand grenade that exploded, resulting in his death.

Women voters bar to cast vote in Swabi, Talagang areas

Women voters at a village of NA-20 in Swabi district have been banned to cast vote yesterday. The locals have prohibited women to exercise their right to vote in Adeena village of Swabi district.

According to reports, the election staff has been present at the polling station, while women voters are not being sighted.

It is said that around 6,000 women in Adeena village have not been allowed to use their right to vote in the election.

Governor urges authorities to ensure fool-proof security measures amid elections

Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori in telephonic talks with Chief Secretary, DG Rangers, IGP and Commissioner asked to ensure security measures in province. He appealed political, social and religious parties to show harmony.

Governor Sindh in a statement said that he was confident administration would cooperate with parties in accordance to Constitution and law.  Tessori also got briefing on law and order situation and steps taken in connection with election by the LEAs heads.

'Go out and use power of vote', says Wasim Akram

Former Pakistan pace bowling legend Wasim Akram on Wednesday urged the nation to go out and use the power of the vote on February 8.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Akram highlighted the importance of Election Day. "February 8 is an important day for the people of Pakistan."

"Somewhere inside us, we all want to change our fate, our system, and our way of life, and when we vote, we use that power to choose the best," he said.

Maya, Adnan, Farhan, Bushra, others urge citizens to vote

Many celebrities and figures of influence have taken to their respective social media platforms to ask general population to vote. Taking to X, singer Mustafa Zahid stated, "Go out and vote! Please." Singer Farhan Saeed taking to X, shares, "Pakistan, come out and vote on February 8. Adnan Siddiqui on Instagram account to say, "February 8: crucial day for us and our nation. Let's make our voices heard and shape our future together."

PPP Chairman calls for immediate restoration of cellular services 

Mobile phone services must be restored immediately across the country have asked my party to approach both ECP and the courts for this purpose.

— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) February 8, 2024

Cellular, internet services temporarily halt in ‘sensitive areas’

The Ministry of Interior has decided to suspend cellular services "temporarily" across Pakistan as part of security measures as the nation goes to poll today in the general elections.

An interior ministry's spokesperson said that precious lives were lost in recent incidents of terrorism in the country in the run-up to the general elections.

The spokesperson said that security measures are vital to maintain law and order and deal with potential threats.

Elections 2024 race with record 17,816 candidates in full swing

As Pakistan braces for the general elections, today over 128 million people will exercise their right to vote with over 17,000 candidates running for the national and provincial assembly seats.

As per the data shared by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), a total of 17,816 candidates are in the run, including 12,695 for provincial assemblies and 5,121 for National Assembly seats.