More than 50 terrorist attacks occurred on Election Day in Pakistan.
Islamabad:
According to the International News, 51 terrorist attacks occurred during Pakistan’s general election voting on Thursday, killing at least 12 people, including 10 security personnel, and injuring 39 others.
“Despite 51 cowardly terrorist attacks aimed at disrupting the electoral process, mainly in Khyber and Balochistan, soldiers continued to steadfast and effective in ensuring peace” and the security of the entire Pakistan. “
“Through proactive intelligence exercises and swift operations, many potential threats were neutralized, underscoring the strong commitment of our security agencies to protect the democratic rights of citizens. Five terrorists were also killed during various operations,” the report said.
The ISPR said in a statement that the attacks killed as many as 12 people, 10 of them from security forces and law enforcement agencies, and injured 39 others.
In addition, 137,000 military personnel and civilian armed forces were deployed at approximately 6,000 sensitive polling stations, and more than 7,800 Quick Response Forces (QRF) were also deployed on site to prevent violence, the report said.
“The Armed Forces, along with other law enforcement agencies, are proud to have played a key role in providing assistance to civil rights in the sacred electoral process and in accordance with the Constitution of Pakistan,” ISPR said to the daily.
“We would like to thank other law enforcement agencies for joining hands with the armed forces to safeguard the democratic process. We fervently hope that our sacrifices will not be in vain and this election will serve as a catalyst for further strengthening of democracy.” Pakistan, which will pave the way for the realization of the aspirations of the people of Pakistan . “
ISPR further said: “The Armed Forces remain committed to maintaining peace and security of the country and remain ready to provide unwavering support in safeguarding the democratic traditions of our country.”
Voting in Pakistan’s general election has ended amid allegations of fraud and the shutdown of cellular and internet services, Dawn newspaper reported on Thursday.
The voting process begins at 8 a.m. and continues until 5 p.m. Pakistan’s Election Commission earlier said exceptions would only be made for those already inside polling stations.
However, the poll was not considered free and fair as there were numerous accusations of rigging and banning people from voting.
In a major development, the federal home ministry this morning suspended mobile phone and internet services across Pakistan to maintain law and order conditions during the general elections.
Internet monitoring agency Netblocks also said that real-time data showed that “in addition to mobile network outages, Internet outages have also occurred in multiple areas of Pakistan,” Dawn reported.
The development drew harsh criticism from the major political parties. Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has demanded immediate restoration of mobile phone services across the country.
Women voters in a village in NA-20 of Swabi district have been completely barred from voting, ARY News reported on Thursday.
Locals in Adina village in Swabi district allegedly banned women from exercising their right to vote. Election workers were reportedly present at polling stations but rarely saw female voters.
In a separate incident, at least two children were killed in an explosion near a polling station in Washbood Panjgur, ARY News reported.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
