# Pakistan poll results undecided as Imran Khan, Nawaz Sharif both claim victory – live
Imran Khan declared victory in a video message posted on social media. He did so hours after his rival, Nawaz Sharif, made the same claim. The US and the UK expressed concerns about the fairness of the Pakistan parliamentary elections, with both former prime ministers asserting victory without clear results. The UK’s foreign minister, David Cameron, raised issues of fairness and inclusivity, while the US State Department called for an investigation into claims of election interference or fraud in Pakistan. Independent candidates supported by Khan won the most seats in the National Assembly, even though Khan was in jail and his party was barred from the polls. Mr. Sharif, on the other hand, stated that he would seek to form a coalition government.
# Imran Khan claims victory
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan claimed victory after his opponent, Nawaz Sharif, made a similar claim. It was done through an audio-visual message produced using artificial intelligence. Supporters of Sharif also celebrated after his announcement of seeking to form a coalition government despite his party trailing the independents.
# Former Pakistan national assembly member injured in firing
Mohsin Dawar, a former parliament member and leader of the National Democratic Movement (NDM), was injured in firing in North Waziristan’s Miranshah and was taken to a hospital. Dawar’s party demanded an inquiry into the firing and arrests of the culprits.
# US congressman accuses Pakistan military of ‘rigging’ election
US congressman Ro Khanna alleged that the Pakistani military “rigged” the country’s recent general elections to “prop up” its candidate. He stated that there were claims of election interference and demanded not to recognize an “illegitimate government” in Pakistan.
# Nawaz Sharif says he wants ‘better relation with neighbours’ after claiming ‘victory’
After claiming victory, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif expressed hope for better relations with neighboring countries, including an indirect message to India. The official results were not announced, as both Mr. Sharif and candidates backed by ex-prime minister Imran Khan claimed victory independently.
# US senate committee condemns bombings during Pakistan elections
The US Senate foreign relations committee condemned bombings at campaign offices in Pakistan amid the parliamentary elections, calling for an investigation and accountability for the perpetrators. Senator Ben Cardin emphasized the importance of meaningful participation of all political parties and candidates in the electoral process.
# Imran Khan granted bail as coalition talks continue
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan and ex-Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi were granted bail in multiple cases linked to the 9 May riots. Independent candidates linked to Khan’s party have come on top in the general elections despite several hurdles.
# Success of elections an ‘undeniable fact,’ says Pakistan Foreign Office
Pakistan’s foreign office dismissed negative statements from some countries and organizations about the general elections, emphasizing that Pakistan successfully held the elections amidst serious security threats, primarily from foreign-sponsored terrorism.
# Protests as unofficial results celebrated by some candidates overturned
Protests erupted in Pakistan’s Balochistan as initial unofficial results, celebrated by some candidates, were overturned the next day. Major political parties staged sit-ins as the previous “winning” candidates fell to second and third positions according to official results.
# Australia expresses regret for Pakistanis’ ‘restricted choice’ of parties
The Australian government regretted the limited choice available to the people of Pakistan in the election, as not all political parties were allowed to contest. However, they welcomed the voter turnout and the increased participation of women in the general elections.
