A drama-packed election day comes to an end
ANP's Ghulam Bilour peacefully withdrew from the elections after a smooth performance, gaining Pakistanis' respect.
The big day we have all been waiting for is finally here! The voting is over and counting has begun. We are here to keep an eye on reactions and comments from all over Pakistan for you. Read below for minute by minute updates on what people have to say.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
END OF LIVE UPDATES
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
11:00pm
As the results pour in, talk of a strong PTI-led opposition to 'control' the PLM-N makes the rounds.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
10:45 pm
While most people on social media are complaining after a gruelling day at the polling station, here's one that sees the glass half full:
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
10:33pm
As ANP's Ghulam Bilour withdraws from the elections, people develop deep respect for him that does not look like it will fade away any soon!
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
9:55pm
The neighbours are following our general elections too, and they have good things to say!
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
9:25pm
PML-N and PTI supporters cheer over their parties taking the lead. It is getting difficult for voters to wait for the final results!
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
9:10pm
Pakistanis worry for Karachi and violence continues. Two rangers die in a bomb blast in Manghopir.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
8:50pm
Pakistanis commend the determination of their fellow countrymen who voted despite the troublesome conditions.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
8:30pm
Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan is certain about PTI taking the crown in Multan.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
7:57pm
Meanwhile in Nazimabad, people have heard a loud explosion and are fearing the worst.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
7:43pm
ECP announces re-polling to be held in NA-250 from 42 polling stations, where voting was problematic.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
7:41pm
Voters develop a new kind of respect for ANP after their smooth performance in the polls.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
7:32pm
The enthusiasm is contagious!
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
7:23pm
What could be in store for Imran Khan?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
7:20pm
With the ups and downs of the election process, some good was highlighted. People seem to be pleased with the Rangers' performance.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
7:16pm
Who says only the youth supports PTI?
(Photo: @chchbilal via Topsy)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
7:12pm
Here is a list of how many votes have been cast up till now per province.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
6:49pm
Who do you think this rickshaw driver is voting for?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
6:41pm
Let's not forget, Pakistanis are kind people. Many have reported that volunteers were passing around bottles of water, biscuits and other snacks for the voters who were patiently waiting under the scorching sun.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
6:39pm
In other electoral concerns...
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
6:27pm
People are evidently disgruntled and frustrated with the chaotic voting procedure and the ECP's failure in organisation.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
6:13pm
Not only are people going to vote for th first time, many are seeing the state of government schools for the first time too. Could this lead to more positive change?
Optimism is definitely on the rise in Pakistan. Voter turnout has been encouraging.
Having said as much, lets remember that it hasn't been easy getting here.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
6:01pm
Imran Khan supporters at Lalak Jan chowk, Lahore.
PHOTO: @declanwalsh
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
5:59pm
It is astounding and heartwarming to see the josh. This is definitely a new Pakistan. If you haven't voted yet, there is still time!
PHOTO: SHAHID AFRIDI
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
5:55pm
Pakistanis keen on never letting the country fail.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
(Photo via @MawaraTaj)
5:47pm
This Pakistani is ready to caste his vote!
(PHOTO: @OfficialMQM via Twitter)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
5:42pm
Things seem to be going in an organised way in Faisalabad.
PHOTO: SHAMSUL NAZ
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
5:30pm
A lot of voters are fed up of the long wait and are turning back to go home despite the 3 hour extension in many areas of Karachi. Have you given up yet?
Meanwhile, in Faisalabad, the voting process seems to be running smoothly in a much more organised fashion than in Karachi.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
5:28pm
If you haven't voted, there's still time!
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
5:22pm
Pakistani women line up to vote.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
5:08pm
As Geo creates frenzy over election results, Pakistanis wonder how this is possible before polling has even come to an end.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
4:58pm
Voters are disappointed in the ECP as it admits these elections are not free and fair.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
4:55pm
Here's to hoping that there is a 60-80% voter turn out this year!
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
4:53pm
Like many others voting in NA-250, it took Nadeem F Paracha hours to caste his vote.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
4:41pm
Clearly NA-250 is a strong constituency and people know it. But why the silence over events transpiring in other areas?
People gather in crowds in the NA 250 constituency, still waiting to vote.
(PHOTO: MANAHYL KHAN)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
4:35pm
Age will not get in our way.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
4:27pm
Did you know that ECP has formed a 24 hour complaint center? Here is the numbers:
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
4:18pm
Faith in humanity restored! A man carries an aged voter to the polling station in Latifabad, Hyderabad.
PHOTO: SHAHID ALI
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
4:15pm
George Fulton and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy are proud of Pakistan. Are you?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
4:10pm
Bad news for musician Salman Ahmad! He could not vote due to a system error.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
4:10pm
Pakistani children don't want to be far behind! They're not of age, but they want you to vote for Pakistan.
(by heads_n_hearts via Topsy)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
4:08pm
A taste of reality.
What Nawaz Sharif has to say:
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
4:07pm
A win for humanity: Voters display love and care for each other.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
4:01pm
Ali Zafar flew in from the US to vote today! What a great feeling- Hats off to you sir! #Let'svote
'Came all the way from US to print this. First time voted. What a feeling!'
(@AliZafar)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
3:57pm
People voting in Swat.
(PHOTO: FAZAL KHALIQ)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
3:51pm
"Despite what is going on, people are still looking forward to voting. We just need to take one small step for something much better," says Imran Khan.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
3:50pm
A PTI supporters show enthusiasm for her party.
(@SheikhImaan)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
3:49pm
Updates from NA-250: Polling time extended.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
3:39pm
Muhajir Quami Movement (MQM Haqiqi) heads announce boycott of elections.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
3:30pm
Dharna at Phase V polling station.
(@saadamjad1996)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
3:29pm
Another party follows suit and boycotts polls from Balochistan.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
3:20pm
Trouble continues at NA 250, but Syed Ali Raza Abidi is urging all PTI supporters to go back and vote.
Dr Awab Alvi, however, has called for a protest outside DHA Phase 4 polling station.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
3:15pm
This just in! More parties are boycotting elections.
Live conference going on right now!
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
3:13pm
Here are some great stories from voters determined to make a change!
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
3.00pm
Bindiya Rana, independent candidate for #PS114 casts her vote. Yay!
(@neebas)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
2:46pm
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
2:42pm
We have some news about possible rigging. Here is what people are saying:
(@discomaulvi)
(@AnjumKiani)
Other people trying to take advantage of their position are:
At a polling station near Khayaban e Hilal, a VIP lady flanked with guards tried to break the queue but people pushed her back. "This is Naya Pakistan where we all are equal," they said to her.
(Via Farahnaz Moazam Zaidi)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
2:33pm
If you still haven't voted and are waiting in line, here are some tips that might make the process easier for you:
1. Write your block code and serial number on a piece of paper.
2. There are different party tents outside the polling station. Go to any tent and show them the code. They will write down the polling booth number and room number for you.
3. Join the queue you are meant to join!
(Via Jawad Jawed Halaat Updates)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
2:23pm
From Chambaili to you!
PHOTO: @mintsnk
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
2:15pm
Supporters of PTI are hopeful to make history today.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Ali Zafar on his way to vote!
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
2:10pm
'Karachi NA250 unprecedented rigging. Sealed ballot boxes opened and thrown out.'
PHOTO: Muhammad Irfan Bhundi
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
1:48pm
Crowds parted as this frail old lady walked 2 flights of stairs to cast her vote. Even though people who have been waiting in queues and are impatient, they were happy to give the lady space right at the front.
She was followed by her 92 year old husband, who proudly showed his inked thumb from his wheelchair. "We have voted for imran khan!"
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
1:40pm
We have come to hear that Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has boycotted elections.
Related news.
JI withdrawing elections has caused a lot of confusion in Karachi.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
1:31pm
It seems as though carrying a cell phone with you while you go to vote is no problem at all.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
1:17pm
Polling in some areas of DHA has still not started:
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
12:58pm
While polling in Defense is slow, Urdu University seems to be moving along smoothly
As reported by Sada Parekh:
Calls for hours of voting to be extended.
According to Khadija Moon Kapadia, voting has started in DHA Girl's College Phase 8, but it appears as though there is still trouble in the NA 250 constituiency
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
12:50pm
Arsham Jan is 100 years old and came on foot to vote
(Via Matthewteller)
Sharmila Faruqui went out to vote with her mother
Mom and me! What an emotional moment! Chand meri zameen Phool mera watan:) ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 12:37pmThe troubles for people in Defence continues
If you are facing similar problems, call the ECP complaint center. 05
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
END OF LIVE UPDATES
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
11:00pm
As the results pour in, talk of a strong PTI-led opposition to 'control' the PLM-N makes the rounds.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
10:45 pm
While most people on social media are complaining after a gruelling day at the polling station, here's one that sees the glass half full:
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
10:33pm
As ANP's Ghulam Bilour withdraws from the elections, people develop deep respect for him that does not look like it will fade away any soon!
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
9:55pm
The neighbours are following our general elections too, and they have good things to say!
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
9:25pm
PML-N and PTI supporters cheer over their parties taking the lead. It is getting difficult for voters to wait for the final results!
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
9:10pm
Pakistanis worry for Karachi and violence continues. Two rangers die in a bomb blast in Manghopir.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
8:50pm
Pakistanis commend the determination of their fellow countrymen who voted despite the troublesome conditions.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
8:30pm
Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan is certain about PTI taking the crown in Multan.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
7:57pm
Meanwhile in Nazimabad, people have heard a loud explosion and are fearing the worst.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
7:43pm
ECP announces re-polling to be held in NA-250 from 42 polling stations, where voting was problematic.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
7:41pm
Voters develop a new kind of respect for ANP after their smooth performance in the polls.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
7:32pm
The enthusiasm is contagious!
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
7:23pm
What could be in store for Imran Khan?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
7:20pm
With the ups and downs of the election process, some good was highlighted. People seem to be pleased with the Rangers' performance.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
7:16pm
Who says only the youth supports PTI?
(Photo: @chchbilal via Topsy)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
7:12pm
Here is a list of how many votes have been cast up till now per province.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
6:49pm
Who do you think this rickshaw driver is voting for?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
6:41pm
Let's not forget, Pakistanis are kind people. Many have reported that volunteers were passing around bottles of water, biscuits and other snacks for the voters who were patiently waiting under the scorching sun.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
6:39pm
In other electoral concerns...
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
6:27pm
People are evidently disgruntled and frustrated with the chaotic voting procedure and the ECP's failure in organisation.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
6:13pm
Not only are people going to vote for th first time, many are seeing the state of government schools for the first time too. Could this lead to more positive change?
Optimism is definitely on the rise in Pakistan. Voter turnout has been encouraging.
Having said as much, lets remember that it hasn't been easy getting here.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
6:01pm
Imran Khan supporters at Lalak Jan chowk, Lahore.
PHOTO: @declanwalsh
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
5:59pm
It is astounding and heartwarming to see the josh. This is definitely a new Pakistan. If you haven't voted yet, there is still time!
PHOTO: SHAHID AFRIDI
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
5:55pm
Pakistanis keen on never letting the country fail.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
(Photo via @MawaraTaj)
5:47pm
This Pakistani is ready to caste his vote!
(PHOTO: @OfficialMQM via Twitter)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
5:42pm
Things seem to be going in an organised way in Faisalabad.
PHOTO: SHAMSUL NAZ
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
5:30pm
A lot of voters are fed up of the long wait and are turning back to go home despite the 3 hour extension in many areas of Karachi. Have you given up yet?
Meanwhile, in Faisalabad, the voting process seems to be running smoothly in a much more organised fashion than in Karachi.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
5:28pm
If you haven't voted, there's still time!
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
5:22pm
Pakistani women line up to vote.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
5:08pm
As Geo creates frenzy over election results, Pakistanis wonder how this is possible before polling has even come to an end.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
4:58pm
Voters are disappointed in the ECP as it admits these elections are not free and fair.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
4:55pm
Here's to hoping that there is a 60-80% voter turn out this year!
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
4:53pm
Like many others voting in NA-250, it took Nadeem F Paracha hours to caste his vote.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
4:41pm
Clearly NA-250 is a strong constituency and people know it. But why the silence over events transpiring in other areas?
People gather in crowds in the NA 250 constituency, still waiting to vote.
(PHOTO: MANAHYL KHAN)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
4:35pm
Age will not get in our way.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
4:27pm
Did you know that ECP has formed a 24 hour complaint center? Here is the numbers:
0519210801-05
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
4:18pm
Faith in humanity restored! A man carries an aged voter to the polling station in Latifabad, Hyderabad.
PHOTO: SHAHID ALI
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
4:15pm
George Fulton and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy are proud of Pakistan. Are you?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
4:10pm
Bad news for musician Salman Ahmad! He could not vote due to a system error.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
4:10pm
Pakistani children don't want to be far behind! They're not of age, but they want you to vote for Pakistan.
(by heads_n_hearts via Topsy)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
4:08pm
A taste of reality.
What Nawaz Sharif has to say:
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
4:07pm
A win for humanity: Voters display love and care for each other.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
4:01pm
Ali Zafar flew in from the US to vote today! What a great feeling- Hats off to you sir! #Let'svote
'Came all the way from US to print this. First time voted. What a feeling!'
(@AliZafar)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
3:57pm
People voting in Swat.
(PHOTO: FAZAL KHALIQ)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
3:51pm
"Despite what is going on, people are still looking forward to voting. We just need to take one small step for something much better," says Imran Khan.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
3:50pm
A PTI supporters show enthusiasm for her party.
(@SheikhImaan)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
3:49pm
Updates from NA-250: Polling time extended.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
3:39pm
Muhajir Quami Movement (MQM Haqiqi) heads announce boycott of elections.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
3:30pm
Dharna at Phase V polling station.
(@saadamjad1996)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
3:29pm
Another party follows suit and boycotts polls from Balochistan.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
3:20pm
Trouble continues at NA 250, but Syed Ali Raza Abidi is urging all PTI supporters to go back and vote.
Dr Awab Alvi, however, has called for a protest outside DHA Phase 4 polling station.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
3:15pm
This just in! More parties are boycotting elections.
Live conference going on right now!
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
3:13pm
Here are some great stories from voters determined to make a change!
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
3.00pm
Bindiya Rana, independent candidate for #PS114 casts her vote. Yay!
(@neebas)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
2:46pm
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
2:42pm
We have some news about possible rigging. Here is what people are saying:
(@discomaulvi)
(@AnjumKiani)
Other people trying to take advantage of their position are:
At a polling station near Khayaban e Hilal, a VIP lady flanked with guards tried to break the queue but people pushed her back. "This is Naya Pakistan where we all are equal," they said to her.
(Via Farahnaz Moazam Zaidi)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
2:33pm
If you still haven't voted and are waiting in line, here are some tips that might make the process easier for you:
1. Write your block code and serial number on a piece of paper.
2. There are different party tents outside the polling station. Go to any tent and show them the code. They will write down the polling booth number and room number for you.
3. Join the queue you are meant to join!
(Via Jawad Jawed Halaat Updates)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
2:23pm
From Chambaili to you!
PHOTO: @mintsnk
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
2:15pm
Supporters of PTI are hopeful to make history today.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Ali Zafar on his way to vote!
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
2:10pm
'Karachi NA250 unprecedented rigging. Sealed ballot boxes opened and thrown out.'
PHOTO: Muhammad Irfan Bhundi
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
1:48pm
Crowds parted as this frail old lady walked 2 flights of stairs to cast her vote. Even though people who have been waiting in queues and are impatient, they were happy to give the lady space right at the front.
She was followed by her 92 year old husband, who proudly showed his inked thumb from his wheelchair. "We have voted for imran khan!"
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
1:40pm
We have come to hear that Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has boycotted elections.
Related news.
JI withdrawing elections has caused a lot of confusion in Karachi.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
1:31pm
It seems as though carrying a cell phone with you while you go to vote is no problem at all.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
1:17pm
Polling in some areas of DHA has still not started:
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
12:58pm
While polling in Defense is slow, Urdu University seems to be moving along smoothly
As reported by Sada Parekh:
Absa School of Deaf and Dumb has no stamps that need to be at the back of every vote. Where is ECP? Hundreds of votes wasted!
Calls for hours of voting to be extended.
According to Khadija Moon Kapadia, voting has started in DHA Girl's College Phase 8, but it appears as though there is still trouble in the NA 250 constituiency
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
12:50pm
Arsham Jan is 100 years old and came on foot to vote
(Via Matthewteller)
Sharmila Faruqui went out to vote with her mother
If you are facing similar problems, call the ECP complaint center. 05………………………………………………………………………………………………………
12:28pm
As reported by Jav Arshad, 'ppl barged in with guns at DA middle school a while ago'
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
12:20pm
We will have an alliance with the PTI says Sheikh Rasheed
(PHOTO: FILE)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
12:00pm
Another blast heard in Karachi
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
11:58am
Thoughts..
'My views? disorganised, very haphazard. People were made to wait- no proper assistance either. People had to run in and out. Apparently a stamp along with the signature of agent was required at the back of the voting sheet (which we weren't told of.) Most sheets were signed not stamped which means my vote is not valid. So yeah! My first experience was a learning one. Hopefully my party will WIN !!!!'
(@Marjan Ahmad, blog@tribune.com.pk)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
11:45am
KARACHI: The polling process was postponed in a polling station of NA-256 Karachi constituency after a group of attacked polling agents on Thursday.
(PHOTO: CREATIVE COMMONS)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
11:44am
A small price to pay to regain your nation, hang in there voters!
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
11:41am
#DUNZO
(@ShazahAyub)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
11:37am
Quick reminder
(@Ell_Enn)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
11:29am
Fuelled with jazba! #Can'twait #Pakistanisallovertheworld
(786_madiha)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
11:23am
Hats off to Pakistanis demanding their rights! #letsvote #Pakistan
(Mahwish J. Khan, We've Had Enough!!!)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
11:05am
'My name is mishal arif. my area is NA 250 ,PS 113. My polling station is DA MODEL high school phase 7, khe hilal.
We arrived at the stations exactly at 8am and left around 10:30 am because there are still no ballot boxes there.
This is height of being unorganized. so frustrated.'
(web@tribune.com.pk)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
10:55am
KARACHI: MQM candidate for NA-250, Ali Raza Abidi claims independent candidate Irfanullah Marwat’s men have attacked presiding officers at polling stations 61, 64, 67 and 69
(PHOTO: FILE)
11:00am
Blast heard in Quetta
Blast heard in Peshawar
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
10:49am
Too close to turn away now Pakistanis, please hold your ground so this may be the last of the lines you have to wait in.
(Altaf Hashwani, Karachi Food Diary)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
10:45am
The turn-out, at the hot seat of Karachi NA-250, was huge but elections at various polling stations of the constituency are reportedly being hindered.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
10:42am
Good news Karachiites!
'Rangers and Police are bringing ballot boxes to polling stations. Hold your ground and wait, change is not far now! We are inching close to a Naya Pakistan with every vote that gets cast.'
(Pakistan Tehreek-e-insaf)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
10:33am
Requesting Pakistanis to stay calm and vote!
(@sharmeenochinoy)
(@syedwaleedshah)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
10:30am
(@DrAwab)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
10:20am
Pakistan disappointing young voters with inefficiency
(@AsadNasir80)
Meanwhile in Lahore...
( Farzana Mussa)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
10:15am
KARACHI: A blast followed another one in Daud Chali Qaidabad area of Karachi near an Awami National Party (ANP) election office, earlier blast killed six and injured around 30. Stay safe, stay strong!
10:00am
Pakistan welcoming a new generation of voters today! Here are some friendly tips:
(Dr Yasmin Rashid )
SIALKOT: PPP'S Firdaus Ashiq Awan withdraws in favor of PTI. A good start for Captain Khan in his final inning.
(Former Information minister Firdous Ashiq Awan. PHOTO: PID/ FILE)