KARACHI: In an unexpected twist, independent candidates supported by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) seemed to be gaining the upper hand in the preliminary results late on Thursday, causing ripples across the political landscape. This surprising turn of events occurred even as the party's founder, Imran Khan, remained incarcerated, and despite the perceived absence of a fair playing field.

According to unofficial results, independent candidates (a majority of whom are backed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf) are leading in most of the national and provincial constituencies across the country followed by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), The Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) is on third place. 

However, uncertainty loomed large following the expression of the Pakistani people's will through their votes in the 2024 general elections, particularly amidst a temporary suspension of cellular services due to security concerns just prior to the commencement of voting.

To add insult to injury, despite assurances from the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) that the election results would be promptly disclosed, not a single constituency's outcome was announced even as the clock struck 2 o'clock. This delay added frustration and uncertainty to an already tense political atmosphere.

However, in the wee hours of Friday, when very few results trickled in, all PTI-backed independents, supporters gathered at the party’s central secretariat and started “victory” celebrations. PTI Chairman Gauhar Khan claimed that its candidates were leading on 150 National Assembly seats.