Pakistan Election Result: The contest is between Nawaz Sharif, Imran Khan and Bilawal Bhutto's parties

5 days ago  Update 1/5: The Overwatch Contenders team Ellie had been signed to. West Coast News Editor. Imran has been playing games since he was five, but it is less the length of time and more the frequency that tends to alarm people. Twitter Email.

New Delhi / Islamabad:

Cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan is on the verge of victory after millions of Pakistanis voted on Wednesday to elect a new government. In his first address to Pakistan after getting massive lead, Imran Khan talked of several key issues facing the nation including poverty and health issues. He also referred to the relations with China and India saying the country could follow China's example in many ways. He also said he was keen to fix ties with India.

The tense general election in Pakistan was marred by allegations of military interference and a series of deadly attacks. Up to 8 lakh police and military forces were stationed at more than 85,000 polling stations across the country as the voting took place. Wednesday's election was only the second democratic transition of power in Pakistan's 70-year coup-studded history. Pakistan is a country of approximately 207 million people, out of which the number of registered voters are about 106 million.

More than 3,000 candidates are contesting for 272 general seats of the National Assembly, while some 8,000 candidates ran for 577 general seats of the four provincial assemblies - Punjab, Sindh, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and Pak-occupied Balochistan. The three key parties contesting were former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) or PML-N, cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf or PTI, and former (late) prime minister Benazir Bhutto's party Pakistan Peoples Party, which is being headed by her son Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. The contest is said to be a close one between Nawaz Sharif's party and Imran Khan's party. The counting of votes began soon after polling was concluded and results are expected to be announced within 24 hours. The Election Commission has blamed delays in the results on technical failures and promised to investigate complaints.

Here are the LIVE updates of the Pakistan General Election Result 2018:

#WATCH: PTI chief Imran Khan addresses the media in Islamabad. #PakistanElections2018https://t.co/6Qb8AlhzZt

- ANI (@ANI) July 26, 2018'If India Moves One Step Forward, We Will Move Two': Imran Khan
Cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan also referred to India-Pak ties as he addressed Pakistan. Here are highlights

• 'I really want to fix the India-Pakistan ties through dialogue'
• 'The main issue between us is Kashmir but blame game can't continue forever'
• 'Because of cricket, I want better ties with the neighbour country'
• 'If India moves one step forward, we will move two'

'Potrayed Like The Way Indian Media Portrayed Me,' Says Imran Khan
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Imran Khan Gives China's Example In His First Address After Massive Lead
'Want To Congratulate People Of Pakistan'
'I want to thank all those people who braved the heat and all kinds of difficulties to strengthen our democracy,' says Imran Khan as he addresses Pakistan. Here are highlights of his first speech after he secured massive lead in the general election.

• 'I have seen Pakistan's rise and fall, its collapse'
• 'I thank Allah for the struggle of 22 years has brought to me this place and given me a chance to make Pakistan that I dreamt of'
• 'Allah had given me everything that I could have even done alright had I not entered politics'

'Winds Of Change' Tweet As PTI Emerges Single Largest Party In Early Leads

Aplikasi hack wifi password. 'Yahaan Ka mausam badalnay wala hai, Yahaan koi aanay wala hai. Imran Khan to address the nation shortly'! #PrimeMinisterImranKhanpic.twitter.com/GUoPscTcTu

- PTI (@PTIofficial) July 26, 2018A supporter of Shahbaz Sharif, the younger brother of former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and head of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), takes a selfie in Rawalpindi (AFP)

That awkward moment where polling ended 17 hours ago but still no results released for any of the areas @BBhuttoZardari is standing from.. #Elections2018#Pakistan

- Bakhtawar B-Zardari (@BakhtawarBZ) July 26, 2018Pakistani newspapers and television channels are predicting victory for Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, with the partial results giving him at least 100 seats so far in the National Assembly, the lower house. A majority of 137 seats is needed to form a government.A Pakistani motorcyclist rides past a billboard featuring an image of Pakistan's cricketer-turned politician Imran Khan, head of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (Movement for Justice) party, a day after the general election in Islamabad (AFP)

A supporter of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) waves a party flag as he celebrates during the general election in Rawalpindi (Reuters)

Supporters of Pakistan's cricketer-turned politician Imran Khan, head of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (Movement for Justice) party, ride on a motorcycle as they celebrate in Rawalpindi after voting closed in the general election. Vote-counting is ongoing in a knife-edge Pakistan general election as the former cricket hero Imran Khan sought power on a day marred by a bloody suicide bombing and claims of military interference. (AFP)

ECP should give strict instructions for issuance of the Form 45. It completely failed in its main responsibility of holding a free, fair & transparent elections. A serious blow has been dealt to the democratic process of the country.

- Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) July 25, 2018

#PakistanElections2018 As per the rules, Election Commission of Pakistan officials are bound to provide results on Form 45, instead results were handed out on plain paper in Khi & Hyderabad. pic.twitter.com/cANGPAeUzU

- ANI (@ANI) July 26, 2018PML-N alleges vote rigging as Imran Khan tipped for victory
Supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf celebrate during the counting of the general election in Karachi. Imran Khan's camp was increasingly confident of winning the election, although it still appeared likely to fall short of the 137 seats needed for a majority in the National Assembly, raising the prospect it would need to find coalition partners among smaller parties and independents. (Reuters)Election Commission Defends Delayed Results
Facing questions about the delay in posting official results, Pakistan Election Commission says 'result transmission service' has stopped, causing the delay.
'Result transmission service stopped working under pressure and has delayed results. Presiding officers have been asked to meet their returning officers, along with army officers assigned to their voting booths, with the results,' Babar Yaqoob, ECP Secretary, was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
'Form 45' Controversy

ECP's Form 45 on left
ECP's Form 45 in Naya Pakistan on right pic.twitter.com/mba6LaQcN6

- omar r quraishi (@omar_quraishi) July 25, 2018
The third major party, the Pakistan Peoples Party, also complained that its polling agents were asked to leave during the vote count in a number of voting centres.
'This is the warning bell of a serious threat,' said PPP senator Sherry Rehman. 'This whole election could be null and void, and we don't want this.'
Several smaller parties made similar complaints in public statements.Prospect Of Weeks Of Haggling
Nawaz Sharif's PML-N rejects election count amid rigging complaints

Mr Sharif's party has accused the military for weeks of attempting to throw the election to opposition figure Imran Khan, a former cricket star and anti-corruption crusader.
Shehbaz Sharif, leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and brother of the ousted prime minister, early on Thursday rejected the counting process as results were still trickling out and no winner had been declared but projections showed a strong lead for Khan.
'We reject this result,' Shehbaz Sharif said.Pakistan Election Results - What We Know

.@ImranKhanPTI's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) ahead as votes are counted in Pakistan's high-stakes polls.
Follow LIVE updates on #ElectionResults: https://t.co/tpv56ZkDD0
Read more about #PakistanElections2018 here: https://t.co/ebqlODGwDQpic.twitter.com/hX06PynzgB

- NDTV (@ndtv) July 25, 2018

.@ImranKhanPTI's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) ahead as votes are counted in Pakistan elections.
Track LIVE updates on #PakistanElections2018 here: https://t.co/tpv56ZkDD0pic.twitter.com/qWgHatnSae

- NDTV (@ndtv) July 25, 2018Early Results For Pak Elections, Imran Khan's PTI Leads

Thank you fellow Pakistanis. World has seen your love & respect for Pak Armed Forces & LEAs today. U hv rejected all kinds of malicious propaganda. We are strong because we have your unflinching support. Our lives are dedicated to Pakistan and its People.
🇵🇰Pakistan wins again! pic.twitter.com/MGbujoGjZk

- Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) July 25, 2018Nawaz Sharif's mother casts her vote in Lahore

Mother of Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif cast her vote in Lahore#SherAaRahaHaipic.twitter.com/autB60ghJI

- PML(N) (@pmln_org) July 25, 2018

The biggest threat to Pakistan's present and future is extremism. I ask for your support in eradicating this menace from our society. Together, we can fight extremism and create a peaceful, progressive and prosperous Pakistan https://t.co/b1Mp5KGsUh

-BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) July 19, 2018

Nawaz Sharif's Party PML-N Asks Pak Election Commission To Extend Polling Time By 1 Hour

مسلم لیگ ن کا الیکشن کمشن سے پولنگ کا ٹائم ایک گھنٹہ بڑھانے کا مطالبہ pic.twitter.com/fMcr7LlMXs

- PML(N) (@pmln_org) July 25, 2018

The beauty of democracy, exercising power of the ballot, it was a moving moment to see my esteemed mother going all the way to cast her vote in a wheel-chair. Her prayers are a source of strength to all of us in the family, particularly in these trying times .. pic.twitter.com/ugzIi6lQuv

- Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) July 25, 2018

She has inspired all the family by showing so much grace & dignity under pressure! https://t.co/46dK4aP73E

-Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) July 25, 2018

The Election Commission of Pakistan stated that the media discussions pertaining to Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan & Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president Shehbaz Sharif were a violation of ECP code of conduct
Read @ANI Story https://t.co/ZozbyVINRipic.twitter.com/RzgunivRQn

-ANI Digital (@ani_digital) July 25, 2018The Shadow Of Terror On Pakistan's General Election

The leading among them are Mumbai-terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed-led banned Jamaat-ud Dawa's candidates who are fighting with an aim to make Pakistan a 'citadel of Islam.' Saeed's son and son-in-law are contesting the elections.
In the run up to the elections, the country witnessed a series of deadly attacks targeting candidates and campaign rallies, including one that killed 151 people in Balochistan province.

Hafiz Saeed is a terrorist. Pakistan's democracy is in danger because of these kind of people: Union Minister Hansraj Ahir on Hafiz Saeed seen casting vote in #PakistanElections2018pic.twitter.com/bFKh68ra6Q

- ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2018

Some voters at a poll station in Lahore say Army isn't allowing entry. Women say 'They're saying there are many women inside&we won't be let in'; voters also say 'They're saying there are 2 booths inside so they won't allow those who are allotted 3rd booth' #PakistanElections2018pic.twitter.com/oMdRskdUMh

- ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2018Pakistan Army's Role In The General Elections In The Country
ISIS Claims Responsibility For Suicide Blast In Balochistan On Election Day In Pak

At least 28 people were killed and 35 injured in the suicide blast in Quetta on election day.
ISIS confirmed that the attack was carried out by one of its suicide bombers, but did not provide further detail or evidence for its claim.
Imran Khan Makes Televised Speech, Violates Pak Election Commission Rule

(File Photo of Imran Khan during an election rally)
At Least 28 Killed, 35 Injured In Suicide Blast In Pak-occupied Balochistan On Polling Day

The attack has not been claimed by any terror group so far.
Balochistan, which has been under Pakistan's forceful occupation since March 1948, is the poorest and most restive region in its control. For decades Balochistan has seen a separatist movement trying to get freedom from Pakistan's forceful occupation.
The region was hit by several bombings during the brief but acrimonious election campaign -- including a devastating blast claimed by the Islamic State group which killed 153 people this month, and was Pakistan's deadliest ever suicide attack.
An earlier attack in Balochistan left one policeman dead and three wounded when a hand grenade was thrown at a polling station in the village of Koshk, in Khuzdar district.
Pakistan's military has stationed over 370,000 personnel across Pakistan to ensure security for the election, bolstered by an additional 450,000 police.
(With inputs from AFP)
Imran Khan, Shehbaz Sharif Tweet On Quetta Blast

Condemnable terrorist attack in Quetta by enemies of Pak seeking to disrupt our democratic process. Saddened by the loss of innocent lives. Pakistanis must defeat the terrorists' design by coming out in strength to cast their vote.

-Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) July 25, 2018

Heart broken to learn of martyrdom of innocent people including police officials & injuries sustained by others in a terrorist attack in Quetta at a time when the people are exercising their democratic right of vote. My profound condolences to the bereaved families.

-Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) July 25, 2018All You Need To Know (Stats) About The Pakistan General Election 2018
Pak Polls Update: On Polling Day, Blast In Pak-Occupied Balochistan's Capital Quetta
Pakistan General Elections: The 5 Main Players
The Pakistan election on Wednesday comes after a brief but acrimonious campaign, complicated by a string of attacks which have prompted security fears. The 2018 poll is considered a vital step for Pakistan, and represents only the second democratic transition in a country ruled by the military for roughly half its history.
Here is a look at the election's main players:
- Nawaz Sharif -

His woes reached their peak earlier this month when he was sentenced in absentia to 10 years in prison. Mr Sharif spectacularly returned to Pakistan from London a week later and was arrested.
Analysts say he has returned to fight for his political life to boost his Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party's stumbling campaign.
Seen as a combative and tenacious figure, Mr Sharif claims he is being targeted by the military -- with which he was once close.
The dispute is largely attributed to his desires to shift power to the civilian government and seek warmer diplomatic relations with India.
- Pak Army -

It has been broadly accused by the media, analysts, activists and politicians of what one think tank called a 'silent coup' against the PML-N, and in favour of opposition stalwart Imran Khan.
Several cases of kidnappings, threats and pressure against the media and political activists have been reported, and diplomats have voiced concern over censorship allegations ahead of the polls.
The army denies the claims, saying it has 'no direct role' in the election.
- Imran Khan -

Known mainly in the West as a talented sportsman and infamous playboy, he presents a significantly more conservative and devout face to Muslim-majority Pakistan.
His Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, founded in 1996, governed northwestern Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province for five years but had to settle for a handful of seats nationally after the 2013 election.
The fall of Nawaz Sharif and the PML-N's floundering campaign represents Imran Khan's best chance yet to become prime minister, even if an outright majority remains uncertain.
Critics consider him unfit for office. Some call him 'Taliban Khan' because of his repeated calls for talks with violent terror groups. He has also been criticised for pandering to Islamist hardliners over blasphemy.
Others openly accuse him of having links to the Pak army and ISI.
- Shahbaz Sharif -

His quieter style has been overshadowed by Nawaz Sharif's loud quarrel with the military. But he occupies a key position in Pakistani politics, having spent more than 10 years as chief minister of Punjab, home to more than half of the country's population of 207 million.
Shahbaz Sharif, also an influential businessman, is reputedly less stubborn when it comes to the military, and therefore more acceptable to the generals than Nawaz.
There has long been speculation that the two brothers have clashed over their political differences, but they have never corroborated the claims.
- Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari -

At 29, Bhutto-Zardari has little experience and the chance of election victory for his family's Pakistan Peoples Party is deemed almost nil -- though he could become kingmaker in a coalition if the PML-N or the PTI fail to win an outright majority.
The PPP once dominated Pakistani politics but is now in decline, facing a strong challenge even in its strongholds in southern Sindh province.
Bilawal's father Asif Ali Zardari, nicknamed 'Mr 10 percent' by many in Pakistan because of numerous accusations of corruption, has previously been president of Pakistan.
There is speculation Asif, believed to be the main decision-maker in the PPP, could seek the post again -- or demand other concessions -- in any coalition deal.
Pak Polls 2018: Key Party - Nawaz Sharif's PML-N

Nawaz Sharif's brother Shahbaz is leading the party's campaign for the Pak polls.
Nawaz Sharif, known as the the 'Sher' or tiger of Pakistan's Punjab province, banks heavily on supporters from the region. His party symbol too, is the tiger. Known to have a very large support base in Pakistan's Punjab, the votes Mr Sharif's party gets from this region will more-or-less determine chances for his party's return to power.
It is widely believed in Pakistan, that he or she who wins most seats from Punjab (Pakistan), wins the general election.
Nawaz Sharif was recently ousted as the prime minister of Pakistan after he was sentenced to 10 years in prison by Pakistan's Supreme Court in a corruption and disproportionate assets case. His daughter Maryam too, has been sentenced to seven years in prison. Father and daughter are currently in jail, while Mr Sharif's wife Kulsoom is battling for her life and said to be in 'critical' condition in a hospital in London. The Supreme Court has barred Nawaz Sharif from being able to contest the election or hold any political office.
Nawaz Sharif is seen by the Pak Army as someone who challenges their authority in Pakistan as he believes in the rule of a civilian government - a view that doesn't digest well with Pakistan's powerful generals, who do not want to part with power.
Pak Polls 2018: Key Candidate - Imran Khan

Imran Khan is campaigning on populist promises to build a 'New Pakistan', vowing to eradicate corruption, clean up the environment and construct an 'Islamic welfare' state. But his campaign has been dogged by widespread accusations that he is benefitting from the support of the country's powerful security establishment, with the media, activists and think tanks decrying a 'silent coup' by Pakistan's generals.
Pakistan's military, which has ruled the country for more than half its history since its formation in 1947, has rejected the accusations, saying it has no 'direct role' in the electoral process. However, Pakistan's election authorities have granted Pak Army officers broad powers inside polling centres that have further stirred fears of possible manipulation and election rigging.
Imran Khan, who has been known for his playboy image, has also raised eyebrows in recent weeks as he has increasingly catered to hardline religious groups, sparking fears a win for PTI could embolden Islamist extremists.Pakistan Election 2018 - Counting Of Votes And Result
Pakistan Election 2018 - The Key Parties And Contests
Pakistan Election 2018 - The Stats And Numbers
Pakistan General Election 2018: Voting Begins

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Islamabad, Jan 8: Accusing India of rejecting Islamabad's offer for talks several times, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has said two nuclear armed countries should not even think of a war.

In an interview with Turkish news agency TRT World, according to his Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) party, Khan again expressed his desire for talks with India.

He said that even a Cold War was not in the interests of the two countries.

'Two nuclear armed countries should not even think of a war; not even a Cold War because it could worsen any time. The only way is bilateral talks. Two nuclear armed countries at war is like a suicide,' the party quoted him as saying.

He said India did not respond to his peace overtures. India has been maintaining that terror and talks cannot go together.

'India was offered to take one step towards and we shall take two. But India rejected Pakistan's offer for talks several times,' Khan said, as per a PTI report.

Khan also said that India would never be able to suppress the rights of the Kashmiri people.

The Indo-Pak ties strained after the terror attacks by Pakistan-based terrorists in 2016 and India's surgical strikes inside Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The ties further nose-dived in 2017 with no bilateral talks talking place between them.

In December, Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa has backed Prime Minister Imran Khan's peace initiatives, saying the new government has extended a hand of peace and friendship towards India with utmost sincerity but it should not be taken as Islamabad's weakness.

OneIndia News with PTI inputs