2024 Pakistani general election#Allegations of rigging

{{further|2018 Pakistani general election}}

General elections were held in Pakistan on 25 July 2018 after the completion of a five-year term by the outgoing government. At the national level, elections were held in 272 constituencies, each electing one member to the National Assembly. At the provincial level, elections were held in each of the four provinces to elect Members of the Provincial Assemblies (MPA).{{cite news |last1=Chaudhry |first1=Fahad |title=PTI largest party with 115 NA seats as ECP releases final tally two days after polls |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1423442 |access-date=15 February 2024 |work=dawn.com |date=28 July 2018 |language=en |archive-date=30 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930162808/https://www.dawn.com/news/1423442 |url-status=live }}

As a result of the elections, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) became the single largest party at the national level in terms of both popular vote and seats. At the provincial level, the PTI remained the largest party in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP); the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) remained the largest party in Sindh and the newly-formed Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) became the largest party in Balochistan. In Punjab, a hung parliament prevailed with Pakistan Muslim League (N) (PML-N) emerging as the largest party in terms of directly elected seats by a narrow margin.{{cite news |title=Election vote count: PTI poised to form government with 115 seats so far |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1423240 |access-date=15 February 2024 |work=dawn.com |date=27 July 2018 |language=en |archive-date=5 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705103358/https://www.dawn.com/news/1423240 |url-status=live }} However, following the support of the Pakistan Muslim League (Q) and the joining of independent MPAs into the PTI, the latter became the largest party and was able to form the government.{{cite news |last1=Malik |first1=Mansoor |title=Buzdar wins race against Hamza for Punjab CM |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1428059 |access-date=15 February 2024 |work=dawn.com |date=20 August 2018 |language=en |archive-date=13 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220713212634/https://www.dawn.com/news/1428059 |url-status=live }}

{{Main|2022 Pakistani constitutional crisis|No-confidence motion against Imran Khan|Lettergate}}

On 8 March 2022, the opposition parties, under the banner of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), submitted a motion of no confidence against Prime Minister Imran Khan to the National Assembly's secretariat.{{Cite web |title=Opposition submits no-confidence motion against PM Imran Khan |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/403780-opposition-likely-to-move-no-confidence-motion-against-pm-imran-khan-within-24-hours-sources |access-date=9 March 2022 |website=www.geo.tv |language=en |archive-date=10 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220410083407/https://www.geo.tv/latest/403780-opposition-likely-to-move-no-confidence-motion-against-pm-imran-khan-within-24-hours-sources |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Shahzad |first=Asif |date=8 March 2022 |title=Pakistani opposition moves no-confidence motion to seek PM Khan's ouster |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/pakistani-opposition-rallies-press-pm-khan-resign-2022-03-08/ |access-date=4 April 2022 |archive-date=27 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220327210211/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/pakistani-opposition-rallies-press-pm-khan-resign-2022-03-08/ |url-status=live }} On 27 March 2022, Khan waved a diplomatic cypher from US in the public,{{cite news |last1=Malik |first1=Hasnaat |title=Imran Khan sends diplomatic cypher to CJP |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2351864/imran-khan-sends-diplomatic-cypher-to-cjp/ |work=The Express Tribune |date=April 10, 2022 |access-date=22 December 2023 |archive-date=28 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220828044605/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2351864/imran-khan-sends-diplomatic-cypher-to-cjp |url-status=live }} claiming that it demanded the removal of Khan's government in a coup.{{cite news |title=Copy of cipher 'missing' from PM House records, cabinet told |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1712744 |work=Dawn |date=September 30, 2022 |access-date=22 December 2023 |archive-date=22 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222102424/https://www.dawn.com/news/1712744 |url-status=live }} Later he changed his stance about the US conspiracy against his government, in an effort to mend ties with the country.{{cite news |last1=Hussain |first1=Abid |title=Imran Khan's U-turn: No longer blaming US for his ouster as PM |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/11/14/imran-khan-u-turn-no-longer-blames-us-for-removal-as-premier |work=Al Jazeera |date=14 Nov 2022 |access-date=22 December 2023 |archive-date=31 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231175523/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/11/14/imran-khan-u-turn-no-longer-blames-us-for-removal-as-premier |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Imran Khan seeks to repair ties with US; says cipher conspiracy is over |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1009606-imran-khan-seeks-to-repair-ties-with-us-after-cypher-conspiracy |work=The News International |date=November 13, 2022 |access-date=22 December 2023 |archive-date=21 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621103539/https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1009606-imran-khan-seeks-to-repair-ties-with-us-after-cypher-conspiracy |url-status=live }} However, in August 2023, The Intercept claimed to have published the contents of the diplomatic cable which had American diplomat Donald Lu on record as stating that "all will be forgiven" concerning the country's neutrality in the Russian invasion of Ukraine, if the no-confidence motion against Khan were to succeed.{{Cite web |last=Grim |first=Ryan |date=2023-08-09 |title=Secret Pakistan Cable Documents U.S. Pressure to Remove Imran Khan |url=https://theintercept.com/2023/08/09/imran-khan-pakistan-cypher-ukraine-russia/ |access-date=2024-02-06 |website=The Intercept |language=en-US |archive-date=10 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810030642/https://theintercept.com/2023/08/09/imran-khan-pakistan-cypher-ukraine-russia/ |url-status=live }} After the election, JUI-F president Fazal-ur-Rehman, a critic of Imran Khan, claimed that the motion of no-confidence to remove Khan was introduced on the instructions of former army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa.{{cite news |title=Imran Khan was ousted on Gen Bajwa's directives: Fazlur Rehman |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/531267-imran-khan-was-ousted-on-gen-bajwas-directives-fazlur-rehman |access-date=15 February 2024 |work=www.geo.tv |language=en |archive-date=16 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216013417/https://www.geo.tv/latest/531267-imran-khan-was-ousted-on-gen-bajwas-directives-fazlur-rehman |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Gen Faiz, Gen Bajwa orchestrated no-confidence move against Imran, claims Fazl |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1814484/gen-faiz-gen-bajwa-orchestrated-no-confidence-move-against-imran-claims-fazl |access-date=15 February 2024 |work=dawn.com |date=15 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=16 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216013449/https://www.dawn.com/news/1814484/gen-faiz-gen-bajwa-orchestrated-no-confidence-move-against-imran-claims-fazl |url-status=live }}

On 1 April 2022, Prime Minister Khan announced that in the context of the no-confidence motion against him in the National Assembly, the three options were discussed with "establishment" to choose from viz: "resignation, no-confidence [vote] or elections".{{cite news |title=All institutions were on board over former PM's Russia visit: DG ISPR |url=https://arynews.tv/dg-ispr-address-press-conference/ |access-date=15 April 2022 |work=ARY News |publisher=arynews.tv |date=14 April 2022 |archive-date=14 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414163838/https://arynews.tv/dg-ispr-address-press-conference/ |url-status=live }} On 3 April 2022, President Arif Alvi dissolved the National Assembly of Pakistan on Khan's advice after the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly rejected and set-aside the motion of no confidence; this move would have required elections to the National Assembly to be held within 90 days.{{Cite news |date=3 April 2022 |title=Imran Khan advised President Alvi to dissolve assemblies |language=en |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/imran-khan-no-trust-vote-live-updates-pakistan-assembly-prime-minister-1932844-2022-04-03 |access-date=22 December 2023 |archive-date=11 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220411192622/https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/imran-khan-no-trust-vote-live-updates-pakistan-assembly-prime-minister-1932844-2022-04-03 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|title=The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan|url=https://na.gov.pk/uploads/documents/1333523681_951.pdf|date=28 February 2012|access-date=10 April 2022|author=National Assembly of Pakistan|archive-date=23 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220423210452/https://na.gov.pk/uploads/documents/1333523681_951.pdf|url-status=live}} On 10 April, after a Supreme Court ruling that the no-confidence motion was illegally rejected, a no-confidence vote was conducted and he was ousted from office,{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-61055210|title=Imran Khan ousted as Pakistan's PM after key vote|work=BBC News|date=9 April 2022|access-date=22 December 2023|archive-date=29 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221029005748/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-61055210|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |date=9 April 2022 |title=Imran Khan becomes first PM to be ousted via no-trust vote |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/2351683/imran-khan-becomes-countrys-first-pm-to-be-ousted-through-no-trust-vote |access-date=9 April 2022 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en |archive-date=10 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220410000418/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2351683/imran-khan-becomes-countrys-first-pm-to-be-ousted-through-no-trust-vote |url-status=live }} becoming the first prime minister in Pakistan to be removed from office by a vote of no confidence.{{Cite web |last=Chaudhry |first=Fahad |date=9 April 2022 |title=Imran Khan loses no-trust vote, prime ministerial term comes to unceremonious end |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1684168 |access-date=9 April 2022 |website=dawn.com |language=en |archive-date=13 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413200934/https://www.dawn.com/news/1684168 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Live updates: NA votes out PM Imran Khan in a historic first for Pakistan |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/948739-live-updates-na-to-vote-on-no-confidence-motion-against-pm-imran-khan |access-date=9 April 2022 |website=www.thenews.com.pk |language=en |archive-date=12 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220412110554/https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/948739-live-updates-na-to-vote-on-no-confidence-motion-against-pm-imran-khan |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=No-trust motion: Imran Khan becomes first prime minister to be voted out of pow |url=https://nation.com.pk/2022/04/10/no-trust-motion-imran-khan-becomes-first-prime-minister-to-be-voted-out-of-pow/ |access-date=9 April 2022 |website=Latest News – The Nation |language=en-US |archive-date=9 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220409204301/https://nation.com.pk/2022/04/10/no-trust-motion-imran-khan-becomes-first-prime-minister-to-be-voted-out-of-pow/ |url-status=live }} Khan claimed the United States was behind his removal because he conducted an independent foreign policy and had friendly relations with China and Russia. His removal led to protests from his supporters across Pakistan.{{cite news |title=Protests in Pakistan over Khan's removal, Sharif set to be new PM |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/4/11/imran-khan-removal-as-pm-triggers-protests-across-pakistan |access-date=14 April 2022 |work=www.aljazeera.com |date=11 April 2022 |language=en |quote=Khan has claimed the US worked behind the scenes to bring him down, purportedly because of Washington's displeasure over his independent foreign policy choices, which often favour China and Russia. |archive-date=13 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413230830/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/4/11/imran-khan-removal-as-pm-triggers-protests-across-pakistan |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Imran Khan supporters stage protests across Pakistan against his ouster as PM |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/massive-protests-in-pakistan-against-imran-khans-ouster/articleshow/90769057.cms |access-date=14 April 2022 |work=The Economic Times |date=11 April 2022 |archive-date=14 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414025454/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/massive-protests-in-pakistan-against-imran-khans-ouster/articleshow/90769057.cms |url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Imran Khan supporters stage protests across Pakistan against his ouster as PM |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2022/apr/11/imran-khan-supporters-stage-protests-across-pakistan-against-his-ouster-as-pm-2440649.html |access-date=14 April 2022 |work=The New Indian Express |date=11 April 2022 |archive-date=14 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414025227/https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2022/apr/11/imran-khan-supporters-stage-protests-across-pakistan-against-his-ouster-as-pm-2440649.html |url-status=live}}

After the success of the no-confidence motion, on 11 April 2022, Shehbaz Sharif became the Prime Minister after receiving 174 votes out of a total of 342, two more than the required majority with the support of the Pakistan People's Party, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam and various smaller parties under the coalition of the PDM. Dissident members of PTI also supported his candidature. Meanwhile, the remaining PTI members, who were now in the opposition, boycotted the session terming it a continuation of a "foreign conspiracy".{{Cite web |date=2022-04-11 |title=Shehbaz Sharif elected prime minister of Pakistan |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1684500 |access-date=2024-02-06 |website=dawn.com |language=en |archive-date=29 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230629004957/https://www.dawn.com/news/1684500 |url-status=live }} A day later, over 100 PTI members tendered resignations from their National Assembly seats.{{Cite web |date=2022-04-12 |title=Pakistan: 100 PTI members resign from Parliament |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/pakistan-100-pti-members-resign-from-parliament-101649722258735.html |access-date=2024-02-06 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en |archive-date=6 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206004907/https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/pakistan-100-pti-members-resign-from-parliament-101649722258735.html |url-status=live }}

The PDM government remained in power until 10 August 2023. Sharif's tenure was marked by historically high inflation, contraction of the national economy, and a record devaluation of the Pakistani rupee.{{Cite web |date=2023-08-10 |title=PDM govt leaves behind massive inflation |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2430074/pdm-govt-leaves-behind-massive-inflation |access-date=2024-02-06 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en |archive-date=7 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240207084914/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2430074/pdm-govt-leaves-behind-massive-inflation |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Kiani |first=Khaleeq |date=2023-11-29 |title=GDP figure under PDM rule 'turns negative' |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1793415 |access-date=2024-02-06 |website=dawn.com |language=en |archive-date=6 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206004907/https://www.dawn.com/news/1793415 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2023-08-24 |title=Rupee plunges to all-time low against US dollar |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2432233/rupee-plunges-to-all-time-low-against-us-dollar |access-date=2024-02-06 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en |archive-date=10 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210120226/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2432233/rupee-plunges-to-all-time-low-against-us-dollar |url-status=live }}

{{Main|Attempted assassination of Imran Khan|2023 Zaman Park raid|Arrest of Imran Khan|May 9 riots}}

Following its ouster from the government, PTI continued to enjoy mass popularity with its supporters taking to the streets across the country.{{Cite web |date=2022-04-11 |title=PTI supporters hold widescale rallies to protest against 'foreign conspiracy' |url=https://www.brecorder.com/news/40166407 |access-date=2024-02-07 |website=Business Recorder |language=en |archive-date=8 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240208003824/https://www.brecorder.com/news/40166407 |url-status=live }} In July 2022, during a provincial by-election in Punjab, the party had a landslide victory after winning 15 of the 20 seats. During October 2022 by-elections conducted for the National Assembly, the party won 7 out of 9 seats with Khan winning 6 of the 7 seats he was contesting for.{{Cite web |date=2022-10-16 |title=Oct 16 by-polls: PTI wins majority of seats in all three provinces |url=https://www.brecorder.com/news/40203351 |access-date=2024-02-07 |website=Business Recorder |language=en |archive-date=26 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426213022/https://www.brecorder.com/news/40203351 |url-status=live }} Later in the year, Khan himself led a well-attended march of protest throughout the populous province of Punjab, to force an early general election.{{Cite web |last=Ahmed |first=Imran |date=2022-11-03 |url=https://www.isas.nus.edu.sg/papers/interpreting-imran-khans-long-march-economy-establishment-and-the-politics-of-neutrality-in-pakistan/ |title=Interpreting Imran Khan's Long March: Economy, Establishment and the Politics of Neutrality in Pakistan |access-date=2024-02-07 |website=ISAS Singapore |archive-date=8 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240208003827/https://www.isas.nus.edu.sg/papers/interpreting-imran-khans-long-march-economy-establishment-and-the-politics-of-neutrality-in-pakistan/ |url-status=live }} However, on 3 November 2022, while he was leading the march through Wazirabad, he was shot at and injured in an attempted assassination.{{Cite news |last=Baloch |first=Shah Meer |date=2022-11-03 |title=Imran Khan wounded in 'assassination attempt' in Pakistan |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/nov/03/imran-khan-shot-in-assassination-attempt-in-pakistan |access-date=2024-02-07 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=10 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231010002335/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/nov/03/imran-khan-shot-in-assassination-attempt-in-pakistan |url-status=live }}

As Khan was recovering from the gunshot wounds to his leg, the government registered several cases against him and attempted to arrest him from his home in Zaman Park on two different occasions during March 2023. Each time the police were unable to arrest him as his supporters intervened.{{Cite magazine |date=2023-03-14 |title=Pakistan Delays Attempt to Arrest Imran Khan: Latest Updates |url=https://time.com/6262805/pakistan-imran-khan-arrest-protests-latest/ |access-date=2024-02-08 |magazine=Time |language=en |archive-date=28 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928084654/https://time.com/6262805/pakistan-imran-khan-arrest-protests-latest/ |url-status=live }} Then on 9 May 2023, he was violently arrested by paramilitary forces while marking his attendance at Islamabad High Court in a corruption case. The arrest came a day after the country's army warned him for accusing a high-ranking member of the ISI, Major General Faisal Naseer, of being responsible for the assassination attempt in November 2022.{{Cite web |date=2023-05-08 |title=ISPR warns Imran against hurling allegations against officer |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2415650/ispr-warns-imran-against-hurling-baseless-allegations-against-serving-military-officer |access-date=2024-02-08 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en |archive-date=20 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230920033615/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2415650/ispr-warns-imran-against-hurling-baseless-allegations-against-serving-military-officer |url-status=live }} Nationwide violence followed, in what were termed as the May 9 riots, with some demonstrators targeting military installations.{{Cite news |last=Noack |first=Rick |date=2023-05-10 |title=Arrest of Imran Khan, Pakistan's former prime minister, prompts violent clashes |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/05/09/pakistan-imran-khan-arrest/ |access-date=2024-02-08 |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286 |archive-date=10 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230510141901/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/05/09/pakistan-imran-khan-arrest/ |url-status=live }} Following the events, a crackdown was initiated against the party by the country's military establishment. PTI leaders, party workers, and supporters, as well as those perceived to be allied to the party's cause within the media and legal profession, were targeted.{{Cite web |last=Irfan |first=Wara |date=2023-11-10 |title=Six months to May 9: How PTI went from heights of popularity to facing obscurity |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1786066 |access-date=2024-02-08 |website=dawn.com |language=en |archive-date=7 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240207124359/https://www.dawn.com/news/1786066 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |title=Imran Khan loses his battle with Pakistan's army |url=https://www.economist.com/asia/2023/06/01/imran-khan-loses-his-battle-with-pakistans-army |access-date=2024-02-08 |newspaper=The Economist |issn=0013-0613 |archive-date=4 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240204145907/https://www.economist.com/asia/2023/06/01/imran-khan-loses-his-battle-with-pakistans-army |url-status=live }} Trials of civilians within military courts were also initiated.{{Cite news |date=2024-01-16 |title=Pakistan military trial of most of 103 May 9 suspects almost complete: Report |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/pakistan-military-trial-of-most-of-103-may-9-suspects-almost-complete-report/articleshow/106903054.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2024-02-08 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389 |archive-date=10 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210140132/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/pakistan-military-trial-of-most-of-103-may-9-suspects-almost-complete-report/articleshow/106903054.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live }} Several core leaders of the party have been in hiding since, with many incarcerated or forced to abandon the party. Subsequently, two pro-establishment splinter groups emerged from within the PTI, namely the PTI Parliamentarians (PTI-P), led by Pervez Khattak, and the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), led by Jahangir Tareen.{{Cite web |date=2023-07-17 |title='PTI Parliamentarians': Pervez Khattak officially launches new political party |url=https://www.brecorder.com/news/40253027 |access-date=2024-02-08 |website=Business Recorder |language=en |archive-date=5 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240205061832/https://www.brecorder.com/news/40253027 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2023-06-09 |title=JKT launches IPP as PTI defectors find new boss |url=https://www.nation.com.pk/09-Jun-2023/jkt-launches-ipp-as-pti-defectors-find-new-boss |access-date=2024-02-08 |website=The Nation |language=en-US |archive-date=26 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026232753/https://www.nation.com.pk/09-Jun-2023/jkt-launches-ipp-as-pti-defectors-find-new-boss |url-status=live }}

On 16 February 2024, former Secretary of Defense Naeem Khalid Lodhi claimed that the military establishment had indirectly contacted Imran Khan in which Khan was reportedly asked to admit responsibility and apologize for planning the May 9 riots and assure that such actions would not be repeated in the future. However, according to Lodhi, no resolution came from these interactions.{{cite news |title=Former defence secretary claims establishment contacted Imran Khan pre-polls |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/531327-former-defence-secretary-claims-establishment-contacted-imran-khan-pre-polls |access-date=20 March 2024 |work=www.geo.tv |language=en}}

In January 2023, in a bid to force early general elections, the PTI prematurely dissolved the provincial assemblies it was in power in – namely Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. According to the constitution of Pakistan, after the dissolution of an assembly, elections are supposed to be held there within 90 days, thus, constitutionally limiting the date for the two provincial elections to be no later than April 2023.{{Cite web |last=Demirhan |first=Meryem |title=Pakistan provincial assembly dissolved on orders of former PM Khan |url=https://www.trtworld.com/asia/pakistan-provincial-assembly-dissolved-on-orders-of-former-pm-khan-64524 |access-date=2024-02-05 |website=TRT World |language=en |archive-date=5 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240205235457/https://www.trtworld.com/asia/pakistan-provincial-assembly-dissolved-on-orders-of-former-pm-khan-64524 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Latif |first=Aamir |title=Another provincial assembly dissolved in Pakistan as political situation deepens |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/another-provincial-assembly-dissolved-in-pakistan-as-political-situation-deepens/2790322 |access-date=2024-02-05 |website=Anadolu Agency |archive-date=5 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240205235500/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/another-provincial-assembly-dissolved-in-pakistan-as-political-situation-deepens/2790322 |url-status=live }} However, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) delayed the elections to October 2023, citing lack of funds provided by the PDM government and the unavailability of the required security personnel.{{Cite web |title=Imran Khan says 'constitution violated' as Punjab vote is delayed |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/3/23/imran-khan-says-constitution-violated-as-punjab-vote-is-delayed |access-date=2024-02-05 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en |archive-date=5 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240205235456/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/3/23/imran-khan-says-constitution-violated-as-punjab-vote-is-delayed |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Khan |first=Iftikhar A. |date=2023-03-11 |title=Agencies caution ECP against holding polls at this point |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1741551 |access-date=2024-02-05 |website=dawn.com |language=en |archive-date=5 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240205235456/https://www.dawn.com/news/1741551 |url-status=live }} The PTI approached the Supreme Court of Pakistan against the electoral body's decision, terming it a violation of the constitution, and with a majority verdict the court declared the ECP's earlier ruling as unconstitutional and ordered it to hold elections by 14 May 2023.{{Cite web |last=Hussain |first=Abid |title=Pakistan top court says provincial polls delay 'unconstitutional' |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/4/4/pakistan-top-court-says-punjab-election-delay-unconstitutional |access-date=2024-02-05 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en |archive-date=8 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240208232111/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/4/4/pakistan-top-court-says-punjab-election-delay-unconstitutional |url-status=live }} After the nationwide May 9 riots that broke out following Imran Khan's arrest – the election date passed without the Supreme Court order being enforced. On 30 May, after the passage of a new law, the PDM government filed a review petition against the court's earlier ruling.{{Cite web |last=Iqbal |first=Nasir |date=2023-05-30 |title=New law stalls Punjab polls case indefinitely |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1756775 |access-date=2024-02-05 |website=dawn.com |language=en |archive-date=5 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240205235457/https://www.dawn.com/news/1756775 |url-status=live }}

On 10 August 2023, the National Assembly was prematurely dissolved by the President Arif Alvi on the advice of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. This meant that the election must be held no later than 8 November 2023.{{cite news |title=National Assembly stands dissolve as President Alvi signs summary |url=https://arynews.tv/national-assembly-stands-dissolve-as-president-alvi-signs-summary/ |work=Ary News |date=9 August 2023 |access-date=9 August 2023 |archive-date=12 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212142939/https://arynews.tv/national-assembly-stands-dissolved-as-president-alvi-signs-summary/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Khan |first=Sanaullah |date=2023-08-09 |title=Govt tenure comes to end as President Alvi signs off on NA dissolution |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1769231 |access-date=2023-08-09 |website=dawn.com |language=en |archive-date=9 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230809204224/https://www.dawn.com/news/1769231 |url-status=live }} However, on 5 August 2023, the results of the 2023 digital census were approved by the Council of Common Interests headed by Shehbaz Sharif.{{Cite web |title=Pakistan's general election may be delayed by new census |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/8/5/pakistans-general-election-may-be-delayed-by-new-census |access-date=2023-08-06 |website=www.aljazeera.com |language=en |archive-date=6 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230806115521/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/8/5/pakistans-general-election-may-be-delayed-by-new-census |url-status=live }} Therefore, elections were to be delayed to February 2024 at the latest, as announced by the ECP in order to carry out fresh electoral delimitations in light of the approved census results.{{Cite web |last=Sadozai |first=Irfan |date=2023-08-17 |title=Election delay all but certain as ECP decides to go for fresh delimitation |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1770628 |access-date=2023-08-17 |website=dawn.com|language=en |archive-date=17 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230817151243/https://www.dawn.com/news/1770628 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Khan |first=Iftikhar A. |date=2023-08-31 |title=ECP 'promises' polls by mid-February, at the most |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1773211 |access-date=2023-08-31 |website=dawn.com |language=en |archive-date=31 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230831033335/https://www.dawn.com/news/1773211 |url-status=live }} Despite that, on 13 September 2023, President Alvi proposed 6 November 2023 as a date to the ECP and advised it to seek guidance from the Supreme Court for the announcement of the election date.{{Cite web |last=Sadozai |first=Irfan |date=2023-09-13 |title=President Alvi proposes Nov 6 as election date |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1775663 |access-date=2023-09-13 |website=dawn.com |language=en |archive-date=13 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230913121322/https://www.dawn.com/news/1775663 |url-status=live }} On 2 November 2023, the ECP and the President agreed on 8 February 2024 as the date for the general election.{{Cite web |last1=Sadozai |first1=Irfan |last2=Guramani |first2=Nadir |last3=Bhatti |first3=Haseeb |last4=Momand |first4=Abdullah |date=2023-11-02 |title=President, ECP agree on holding elections on Feb 8 |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1785760 |access-date=2023-11-02 |website=dawn.com |language=en |archive-date=12 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240112120521/https://www.dawn.com/news/1785760 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2023-11-02 |title=Pakistan sets elections for February 8 |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/2/pakistan-to-hold-delayed-elections-on-february-8-electoral-commission-says |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en |archive-date=14 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231114023317/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/2/pakistan-to-hold-delayed-elections-on-february-8-electoral-commission-says |url-status=live }}

At the start of May 2023, the PDM government adopted a law allowing for filing review petitions against prior Supreme Court verdicts.to{{Cite web |date=2023-05-29 |title=New review law stuns top court |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2419137/new-review-law-stuns-top-court |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en |archive-date=11 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230811083013/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2419137/new-review-law-stuns-top-court |url-status=live }} At the end of June, another law, limiting disqualification to five years, was adopted. It also allows the electoral commission to announce the date of an election without consulting the President of the country.{{Cite web |last=Sadozai |first=Irfan |date=2023-06-25 |title=NA passes bill limiting disqualification of lawmakers to five years |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1761671 |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=dawn.com |language=en |archive-date=28 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228194257/https://www.dawn.com/news/1761671 |url-status=live }}

After serving 12 months of his 7-year sentence on corruption charges, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif left the country on 19 November 2019 to receive medical treatment in London, promising to return in 4 weeks.{{Cite news |date=2019-11-19 |title=Nawaz Sharif: Ex-PM leaves Pakistan for medical treatment |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-50462154 |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=BBC |language=en-GB |archive-date=26 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126141936/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-50462154 |url-status=live }} He was declared a fugitive in 2021 after failing to appear before courts despite summons.{{Cite web |date=2021-06-24 |title='Fugitive' Sharif has lost right to audience: IHC |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2307016/fugitive-sharif-has-lost-right-to-audience-ihc |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en |archive-date=2 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220802114307/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2307016/fugitive-sharif-has-lost-right-to-audience-ihc |url-status=live }} Sharif obtained protective bail on 19 October 2023, which allowed him to return from 4 years of self-imposed exile without being arrested.{{Cite web |date=2023-10-19 |title=Pakistan court grants protection from arrest to ex-leader Nawaz Sharif, allowing his return home |url=https://apnews.com/article/pakistan-nawaz-sharif-return-court-bail-338969ba6aaa248ca4c983244a4f51b9 |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=AP News |language=en |archive-date=26 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126140434/https://apnews.com/article/pakistan-nawaz-sharif-return-court-bail-338969ba6aaa248ca4c983244a4f51b9 |url-status=live }} On October 21, he returned to the country where he was welcomed in Lahore by a gathering of tens of thousands of his supporters.{{Cite web |date=2023-10-21 |title=Fugitive Ex-Pakistani PM Nawaz Sharif Returns From Self-Exile |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/fugitive-ex-pakistani-pm-nawaz-sharif-returns-from-self-exile/7320762.html |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=Voice of America |language=en |archive-date=26 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126140434/https://www.voanews.com/a/fugitive-ex-pakistani-pm-nawaz-sharif-returns-from-self-exile/7320762.html |url-status=live }}

On 9 January 2024, a seven-member Supreme Court bench under Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, hearing a review petition against lifetime disqualification, announced a 6–1 majority verdict with Justice Yahya Afridi dissenting. The verdict set aside the earlier Supreme Court interpretation of lifetime disqualification for article 62(1)(f) of the constitution, stating that it violated fundamental rights, and instead set a five-year disqualification following the newly passed laws for lawmakers who fail the moral standard of "sadiq and ameen" (honest and righteous).{{Cite web |last=Bhatti |first=Haseeb |date=2024-01-08 |title=SC rules against lifetime disqualification; Nawaz and Tareen eligible to contest polls |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1804198 |access-date=2024-01-08 |website=dawn.com |language=en |archive-date=26 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126102736/https://www.dawn.com/news/1804198 |url-status=live }} The timing of the verdict ensured that Sharif, who was disqualified for life in the Panama Papers case in 2017, is eligible to contest these elections with a possible fourth term as prime minister.{{Cite web |last=Bhatti |first=Haseeb |date=2017-12-15 |title=Imran Khan not out, Jahangir Tareen disqualified for being 'dishonest': Supreme Court |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1376766 |access-date=2024-01-08 |website=dawn.com |language=en |archive-date=19 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119051737/https://www.dawn.com/news/1376766 |url-status=live }}

{{main|PTI intra-party elections case}}

On 22 December 2023, the ECP decided against allowing the PTI to keep its electoral symbol, asserting that the party had failed to conduct intra-party elections to the commission's satisfaction. Subsequently, on the same day, the PTI appealed to the Peshawar High Court (PHC) challenging the ECP's decision. Consequently, a single-member bench suspended the ECP's order until 9 January 2024. On 30 December 2023, the ECP submitted a review application to the PHC. In the following days, a two-member bench lifted the suspension order while hearing the case. However, on 10 January 2024, the two-member bench deemed the ECP's order "illegal, without any lawful authority, and of no legal effect." Responding to this, on 11 January, the ECP contested the ruling in the Supreme Court.{{Cite web |last=Hakeem |first=Abdul |date=2024-01-10 |title=PTI wins back 'bat' as PHC declares ECP order 'illegal' |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1804672 |access-date=2024-02-05 |website=dawn.com |language=en |archive-date=6 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206000033/https://www.dawn.com/news/1804672 |url-status=live }}

On 13 January, a three-member panel of the Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, sided with the ECP, reinstating their initial decision to deny the PTI its election symbol, the cricket bat, due to the party's failure to conduct intra-party elections by its constitution. Consequently, the PTI was unable to allocate party tickets to any of its candidates, resulting in all party candidates being listed as independent candidates with individual electoral symbols.{{Cite web |last=Bhatti |first=Haseeb |date=2024-01-13 |title=PTI bat-tered, loses iconic electoral symbol as SC restores ECP order |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1805488 |access-date=2024-01-13 |website=dawn.com |language=en |archive-date=13 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240113103109/https://www.dawn.com/news/1805488 |url-status=live }} The party also lost the right to nominate candidates for 226 reserved seats across the central and provincial legislatures.{{Cite news |date=15 January 2024 |title=PTI unveils 'Plan C' after election symbol setback |url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2024/01/15/pti-unveils-plan-c-after-election-symbol-setbacks/ |work=Pakistan Today}} Removing the cricket bat symbol was viewed as preventing voters from recognising the party on ballot papers—a crucial factor in Pakistan where 40 per cent of the population is illiterate.

The Supreme Court's decision led some legal experts to describe the ruling as a "huge blow to fundamental rights" and "a defeat for democratic norms."{{Cite web |date=2024-01-14 |title='Huge blow to fundamental rights': Lawyers, political experts in disbelief over SC's decision to strip PTI of its electoral symbol |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1805562 |access-date=2024-01-13 |website=dawn.com |language=en |archive-date=21 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240121105041/https://www.dawn.com/news/1805562 |url-status=live }}

In the week before the elections, Imran Khan was sentenced to jail terms in three separate cases. On 30 January 2024, with the government seeking a death penalty, he was sentenced to 10 years in a case dealing with the handling of state secrets by Judge Abul Hasnat Zulqarnain.{{Cite web |last=Burney |first=Umer |date=2024-01-30 |title=Imran Khan, Shah Mahmood Qureshi sentenced to 10 years in jail in cipher case |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1809793 |access-date=2024-02-06 |website=dawn.com |language=en |archive-date=6 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206015745/https://www.dawn.com/news/1809793 |url-status=live }} A day later, Judge Muhammad Bashir, sentenced him and his wife, Bushra Bibi, to a jail term of 14 years, along with a fine of {{PKRConvert|787|m}} each for retaining a jewellery set that was a state gift from Saudi Arabia against an undervalued assessment from the country's Toshakhana. The ruling also barred Khan from holding public office for 10 years.{{Cite web |last=Burney |first=Umer |date=2024-01-31 |title=Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi sentenced to 14 years in Toshakhana reference |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1810025 |access-date=2024-02-06 |website=dawn.com |language=en |archive-date=6 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206015744/https://www.dawn.com/news/1810025 |url-status=live }} Two days later, Judge Qudratullah declared the marriage of Khan and his wife against Islamic law and sentenced both to prison for a term of seven years for allegedly solemnising their marriage during Bushra's Iddah period. The case was lodged on the complaint of Khawar Maneka, Bushra's former husband, five years after her marriage to Khan.{{Cite web |last=Sher |first=Fazal |date=2024-02-04 |title=Court convicts IK, Bushra for 'illegal' marriage |url=https://www.brecorder.com/news/40287242 |access-date=2024-02-06 |website=Business Recorder |language=en |archive-date=6 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206015744/https://www.brecorder.com/news/40287242 |url-status=live }}

All three trials were held behind closed doors in Adiala Jail, where Khan has been incarcerated since August 2023 on corruption charges, and were marked with rushed proceedings, sudden replacement of defendant's lawyers with state consuls, and other procedural irregularities that led his party to term the decisions to be coming from "kangaroo courts".{{Cite news |date=2024-01-31 |title=Imran Khan: Former Pakistan PM and wife Bushra Bibi jailed for corruption |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-68150959 |access-date=2024-02-06 |language=en-GB |archive-date=31 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240131055111/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-68150959 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=30 January 2024 |title=PTI vehemently rejects 'kangaroo court's judgement' |url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2024/01/30/pti-vehemently-rejects-kangaroo-courts-judgement/ |website=Pakistan Today}}{{Cite web |last=Ahmad |first=Zulfiqar |date=2024-02-04 |title=Iddat case: PTI strongly reacts to verdict |url=https://www.brecorder.com/news/40287243 |access-date=2024-02-06 |website=Business Recorder |language=en |archive-date=6 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206015745/https://www.brecorder.com/news/40287243 |url-status=live }} Khan's sentencing in the marriage case was decried by lawyers and members of the civil society as an overreach and a blow to women's rights.{{Cite web |date=2024-02-03 |title=Iddat case: Lawyers, civil society denounce 'intellectual bankruptcy' following Imran, Bushra's conviction |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1810921 |access-date=2024-02-06 |website=dawn.com |language=en |archive-date=6 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206023402/https://www.dawn.com/news/1810921 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=4 February 2024 |title=Controversial verdict of Imran's marriage case crosses all limits: Farhatullah Babar |url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2024/02/04/controversial-verdict-of-imrans-marriage-case-crosses-all-limits-farhatullah-babar/ |website=Pakistan Today}}{{Cite news |date=2024-02-04 |title=Feminists and lawyers lash out at Pakistan judge for hurting woman's dignity in 'un-Islamic' marriage case verdict against Imran and wife |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/feminists-and-lawyers-criticize-pakistan-judge-for-violating-settled-law-in-unislamic-marriage-case/articleshow/107400858.cms |access-date=2024-02-06 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=6 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206015744/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/feminists-and-lawyers-criticize-pakistan-judge-for-violating-settled-law-in-unislamic-marriage-case/articleshow/107400858.cms |url-status=live }} Meanwhile, some observers termed the sentencings as a continuation of the Pakistani military's engineering to keep Khan out of power in the upcoming elections.{{Cite news |title=Imran Khan is convicted. Pakistan's generals are content |url=https://www.economist.com/asia/2024/01/30/imran-khan-is-convicted-pakistans-generals-are-content |access-date=2024-02-06 |newspaper=The Economist |issn=0013-0613 |archive-date=6 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206015744/https://www.economist.com/asia/2024/01/30/imran-khan-is-convicted-pakistans-generals-are-content |url-status=live }}{{Cite magazine |date=2024-02-05 |title=Pakistan's Elections Are Being Brazenly Rigged. Why Doesn't the U.S. Seem to Care? |url=https://time.com/6663747/pakistan-imran-khan-election-democracy-us/ |access-date=2024-02-06 |magazine=Time |language=en |archive-date=6 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206015744/https://time.com/6663747/pakistan-imran-khan-election-democracy-us/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=With Imran Khan Jailed, Pakistan's Election May Be Torpid, But the Aftermath Might Not Be |url=https://www.cfr.org/blog/imran-khan-jailed-pakistans-election-may-be-torpid-aftermath-might-not-be |access-date=2024-02-07 |website=Council on Foreign Relations |language=en |archive-date=7 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240207231737/https://www.cfr.org/blog/imran-khan-jailed-pakistans-election-may-be-torpid-aftermath-might-not-be |url-status=live }} On election day, a PTI official said Khan had been allowed to vote in prison using a postal ballot.

Some observers, including the United Nations and Human Rights Watch, have pointed to what appears to be pre-poll rigging in the run-up to the upcoming elections. There have been notable actions against the PTI and its leaders, including snatching of nomination papers, arbitrary arrests of candidates and their supporters, systematic rejection of nomination papers, and disruption of campaign events. This situation has led to widespread allegations of 'election engineering' and manipulative practices that could potentially favour certain political groups, casting doubts over the fairness of the electoral process.{{Cite web |date=2024-02-06 |title=UN 'Disturbed' Over Pakistan's Clampdown on Ex-PM Khan's Party Ahead of Elections |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/un-disturbed-over-pakistan-s-clampdown-on-ex-pm-khan-party-ahead-of-elections/7476779.html |access-date=2024-02-08 |website=Voice of America |language=en |archive-date=7 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240207111254/https://www.voanews.com/a/un-disturbed-over-pakistan-s-clampdown-on-ex-pm-khan-party-ahead-of-elections/7476779.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2024-01-01 |title=HRCP expresses concern over lack of level playing field in run-up to Feb 8 polls |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1802387 |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=dawn.com |language=en |archive-date=26 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126092847/https://www.dawn.com/news/1802387 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Hussain |first=Abid |title='Election engineering': Is Pakistan's February vote already rigged? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/1/12/election-engineering-is-pakistans-february-vote-already-rigged |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en |archive-date=15 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115101202/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/1/12/election-engineering-is-pakistans-february-vote-already-rigged |url-status=live }} Pakistan's electoral commission was also accused of gerrymandering in favour of the PML-N during the redrawing of voter maps before the elections, with a record 1,300 complaints made.{{Cite news |last1=Baloch |first1=Shah Meer |last2=Ellis-Petersen |first2=Hannah |date=2023-11-29 |title=Pakistan election commission accused of changing voting map to favour ex-PM |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/nov/29/pakistan-election-commission-accused-of-changing-voting-map-to-favour-ex-pm |access-date=2024-02-07 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=7 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240207215536/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/nov/29/pakistan-election-commission-accused-of-changing-voting-map-to-favour-ex-pm |url-status=live }}

Many candidates affiliated with the PTI complained that following the ban on the usage of the cricket bat as the party's logo for the ballots, the electoral commission provided them with symbols carrying obscure meanings and sometimes awkward connotations such as a calculator, an electric heater, a dice, a bed, an eggplant, which is deemed anatomically suggestive, and a bottle, which carries suggestions of alcohol consumption in the majority-Muslim country.{{Cite web |date=2 February 2024 |title=Eggplants, Bottles, Beds: Pakistan Politicians Reclaim Election Symbols |url=https://www.barrons.com/news/eggplants-bottles-beds-pakistan-politicians-reclaim-election-symbols-4affd324 |access-date=3 February 2024 |website=Barron's |language=en |archive-date=2 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202095614/https://www.barrons.com/news/eggplants-bottles-beds-pakistan-politicians-reclaim-election-symbols-4affd324 |url-status=live }} This forces some of them to highlight their assigned symbols to voters, particularly those living in rural areas, on TikTok.

Numerous PTI candidates were reportedly beaten and imprisoned, while many were compelled to join opposing parties or quit politics entirely. A strict order was given to stop mentioning Khan's name on television and PTI protests were suppressed, while PTI supporters were arrested and harassed{{cite news |last1=Waraich |first1=Omar |title=Angry Young Pakistanis Give Imran Khan a Future Shot at Power |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/02/12/pakistan-election-imran-khan-youth-voters-democracy/ |access-date=14 February 2024 |work=Foreign Policy |date=12 February 2024 |archive-date=13 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240213022341/https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/02/12/pakistan-election-imran-khan-youth-voters-democracy/ |url-status=live }} by the military, judiciary as well other political parties.{{cite news |title=A flawed vote in Pakistan |url=https://www.ft.com/content/e55c636e-1428-4eda-86d7-c3e78b4fd225 |access-date=15 February 2024 |work=www.ft.com |date=14 February 2024 |archive-date=14 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214172641/https://www.ft.com/content/e55c636e-1428-4eda-86d7-c3e78b4fd225 |url-status=live }} The majority of the party leadership found themselves imprisoned or exiled, while PTI rallies were subjected to attacks and bombings, making campaigning virtually impossible as candidates were forced into hiding.{{cite news |last1=Grim |first1=Ryan |title=Pakistan Election: Latest Updates on Imran Khan and PTI's Surge |url=https://theintercept.com/2024/02/11/pakistan-election-latest-imran-khan-pti-surge/ |access-date=29 February 2024 |work=The Intercept |date=11 February 2024 |archive-date=29 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229011851/https://theintercept.com/2024/02/11/pakistan-election-latest-imran-khan-pti-surge/ |url-status=live }} The Intercept reported allegations of military involvement in the killing and torture of PTI supporters, and also noted that Pakistani media was significantly restricted over the past year, making critical reporting on the army and government nearly impossible.

On one occasion, Usman Dar, a former member of Imran Khan's cabinet, announced his resignation from the PTI and also withdrew from the election after police officials assaulted his elderly mother, Rehana Dar, in her own bedroom. Rehana Dar subsequently appeared on TV, announcing her intention to enter the election race and contest against Khawaja Asif. She expressed, "You have achieved what you wanted by making my son [Usman Dar] step down at gunpoint, but my son has quit politics, not me. Now you will face me in politics".

Just 48 hours before the voting, a full-page advertisement declaring Nawaz Sharif as the prime minister was published on the front pages of every newspaper in the country.{{cite news |last1=Butt |first1=Naveed |title=Declaring Nawaz Sharif as PM: PPP urges ECP to take notice of advertisement on newspaper front pages by PML-N |url=https://www.brecorder.com/news/40287867/declaring-nawaz-sharif-as-pm-ppp-urges-ecp-to-take-notice-of-advertisement-on-newspaper-front-pages-by-pml-n |access-date=23 February 2024 |work=Brecorder |date=8 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=23 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240223080300/https://www.brecorder.com/news/40287867/declaring-nawaz-sharif-as-pm-ppp-urges-ecp-to-take-notice-of-advertisement-on-newspaper-front-pages-by-pml-n |url-status=live }}

For the first time in Pakistan's electoral history since 1985, Chief Electoral Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja employed the services of the highly politicized{{Cite journal |last1=Tanwir |first1=Maryam |last2=Fennell |first2=Shailaja |date=2010 |title=Pakistani Bureaucracy and Political Neutrality: A Mutually Exclusive Phenomenon? |url=http://www.pide.org.pk/pdf/PDR/2010/Volume3/239-259.pdf |journal=The Pakistan Development Review |volume=49 |issue=3 |pages=239–259 |doi=10.30541/v49i3pp.239-259 |jstor=41261046 |issn=0030-9729 |access-date=21 February 2024 }} executive bureaucracy, particularly Assistant Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners, in the key electoral roles of Returning Officers (RO) and District Returning Officers (DRO).{{Cite web |last=Sheikh |first=Wajih Ahmed |date=2023-12-14 |title=ECP bans govts from transferring election officials |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1797685 |access-date=2023-12-30 |website=dawn.com |language=en |archive-date=19 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119060527/https://www.dawn.com/news/1797685 |url-status=live }} These ROs and DROs are engaged in all stages of the electoral process: from screening applicants to consolidation of vote counts, and, finally, provisionally notifying winning candidates.{{Cite book |url=https://democracyinternational.com/media/U.S.%20Election%20Observation%20Mission%20to%20Pakistan%20General%20Elections%202008%20Final%20Report.pdf |title=US Election Observation Mission to Pakistan – General Elections 2008 |date=30 April 2008 |publisher=Democracy International |page=21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215003910/https://democracyinternational.com/media/U.S.%20Election%20Observation%20Mission%20to%20Pakistan%20General%20Elections%202008%20Final%20Report.pdf |archive-date=15 February 2024}} Traditionally, these posts have been occupied by the lower judiciary of the country.{{Cite web |last=Mahmud |first=Tariq |date=2018-04-06 |title=Should the judiciary conduct the elections? |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1678485/judiciary-conduct-elections |access-date=2024-02-15 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en |archive-date=4 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240304105407/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1678485/judiciary-conduct-elections |url-status=live }}

On 14 December 2023, Justice Ali Baqar Najafi of the Lahore High Court suspended the ECP's decision on the petition of the PTI that questioned the apparent bias of the appointed bureaucrats.{{Cite web |date=2023-12-15 |title=Bureaucrats' appointment as DROs, ROs: LHC suspends ECP notification |url=https://www.brecorder.com/news/40278792 |access-date=2023-12-30 |website=Business Recorder |language=en |archive-date=30 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230193723/https://www.brecorder.com/news/40278792 |url-status=live }} However, the next day, a three-member bench of the Supreme Court, consisting of Qazi Faez Isa, Mansoor Ali Shah, and Sardar Tariq Masood, set aside this ruling and allowed the DROs and ROs to be notified from the bureaucracy, meanwhile stopping LHC from undertaking further proceedings on the petition citing over-reach of authority.{{Cite web |last=Bhatti |first=Haseeb |date=2023-12-15 |title=SC suspends LHC order against RO appointments, orders ECP to issue election schedule tonight |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1798131 |access-date=2023-12-30 |website=dawn.com |language=en |archive-date=22 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240222054017/https://www.dawn.com/news/1798131 |url-status=live }}

On 30 December 2023, these ROs rejected a majority of the nomination papers filed by the leadership of the PTI, including those of the party's chief, Imran Khan. The PTI's general secretary, Omar Ayub Khan, termed the rejections as "pre-poll rigging".{{Cite web |date=2023-12-30 |title=Ex-PM Khan aides decry rejection of election nominations, allege 'pre-poll rigging' |url=https://arab.news/45s43 |access-date=2023-12-30 |website=Arab News PK |language=en |archive-date=4 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240304105413/https://www.arabnews.pk/node/2433976/pakistan |url-status=live }} The party challenged these rejections in the courts.{{Cite web |last=Gabol |first=Imran |date=2023-12-30 |title=Rejections aplenty for PTI as scrutiny phase of nomination papers for elections ends |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1801892 |access-date=2023-12-30 |website=dawn.com |language=en |archive-date=27 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127164803/https://www.dawn.com/news/1801892 |url-status=live }} Many of these rejections were later reversed by the courts.{{Cite web |last=Iqbal |first=Nasir |date=2024-01-27 |title=SC allows Parvez Elahi, four others to contest polls |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1808998 |access-date=2024-02-10 |website=DAWN.COM |language=en |archive-date=21 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240221223225/https://www.dawn.com/news/1808998 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Tanoli |first=Ishaq |date=2024-01-19 |title=Respite for GDA as SHC allows Fehmida, Zulfiqar Mirza to contest elections |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1806959 |access-date=2024-02-10 |website=dawn.com |language=en |archive-date=21 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240221223226/https://www.dawn.com/news/1806959 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=19 January 2024 |title=PTI's Yasmin Rashid, others allowed to contest elections |url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2024/01/10/ptis-yasmin-rashid-others-allowed-to-contest-elections/ |website=Pakistan Today |access-date=21 February 2024 |archive-date=4 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240304105450/https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2024/01/10/ptis-yasmin-rashid-others-allowed-to-contest-elections/ |url-status=live }}

{{further|Internet censorship in Pakistan}}

On 26 January 2024, PTI's official website, insaf.pk, and a separate website made for disseminating information regarding the individual electoral symbols of the party's candidates were blocked in Pakistan.{{Cite web |date=2024-01-26 |title=PTI says its websites 'blocked' in Pakistan ahead of Feb 8 polls |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1808757 |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=dawn.com |language=en |archive-date=26 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126092846/https://www.dawn.com/news/1808757 |url-status=live }} A voter helpline created by the party was also blocked.{{Cite web |date=2024-02-06 |title=Ex-PM Khan's party says voter helpline, websites blocked ahead of elections this week |url=https://arab.news/82gmw |access-date=2024-02-06 |website=Arab News |language=en}} Previously, social media was blocked in the country during the party's virtual electoral events on at least three separate occasions as per internet watchdog, NetBlocks.{{Cite web |last=Sadozai |first=Irfan |date=2024-01-07 |title=Social media platforms across Pakistan face disruption amid PTI virtual fundraiser: Netblocks |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1803919 |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=dawn.com |language=en |archive-date=26 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126100541/https://www.dawn.com/news/1803919 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2024-01-20 |title=Nationwide disruption to social media platforms amid PTI virtual event: Netblocks |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1807328 |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=dawn.com |language=en |archive-date=26 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126100541/https://www.dawn.com/news/1807328 |url-status=live }}

Journalists covering the elections reported a 'near-blanket ban' on their ability to cover PTI candidates fairly. News channels allegedly received messages from individuals belonging to Pakistan's military establishment instructing them to remove all references to PTI in their visuals, graphics, and talking points.{{Cite web |date=2024-01-20 |title=Don't cover Imran Khan's PTI: Pakistan's media told to censor popular ex-PM: Al Jazeera |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2024/1/25/dont-cover-imran-khans-pti-pakistans-media-told-to-censor-popular-ex-pm |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en |archive-date=26 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126105840/https://www.aljazeera.com/amp/features/2024/1/25/dont-cover-imran-khans-pti-pakistans-media-told-to-censor-popular-ex-pm |url-status=live }}

Widespread internet disruption, with complete closure of mobile phone networks, was observed and condemned by Amnesty International as a blunt attack on the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.{{Cite web |date=2024-02-08 |title=Pakistan: Election-day internet shutdown is a reckless attack on people's rights |url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2024/02/pakistan-election-day-internet-shutdown-is-a-reckless-attack-on-peoples-rights/ |access-date=2024-02-09 |archive-date=9 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240209024548/https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2024/02/pakistan-election-day-internet-shutdown-is-a-reckless-attack-on-peoples-rights/ |url-status=live }} On 6 March, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) admitted in its response to the Sindh High Court (SHC) that the Ministry of Interior had indeed issued directives to suspend mobile phone services on the election day on 8 February, due to security concerns and fear of terror related activities.{{cite news |last1=Tanoli |first1=Ishaq |title=No network shutdown ordered after polling day, says PTA |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1819511/no-network-shutdown-ordered-after-polling-day-says-pta |access-date=6 March 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=6 March 2024 |language=en |archive-date=6 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240306033712/https://www.dawn.com/news/1819511/no-network-shutdown-ordered-after-polling-day-says-pta |url-status=live }}

Several polling stations faced instances of violence, ballot box snatching, vandalism and gunfire.{{Cite web |url=https://www.dawn.com/live/elections-2024#1812345 |title=Hafiz Naeemur Rehman says JI workers fired upon, injured outside polling stations |access-date=9 February 2024 |archive-date=9 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240209032916/https://www.dawn.com/live/elections-2024/#1812345 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=https://www.dawn.com/live/elections-2024#1812356 |title=Zartaj Gul Wazir reports misconduct in Punjab's NA-185 constituency |access-date=9 February 2024 |archive-date=9 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240209032916/https://www.dawn.com/live/elections-2024/#1812356 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=https://www.dawn.com/live/elections-2024#1812367 |title=Saeed Ghani claims ballot papers snatched in Karachi's PS-105 |access-date=9 February 2024 |archive-date=9 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240209032916/https://www.dawn.com/live/elections-2024/#1812367 |url-status=live }}

On election day, polling stations were changed randomly, causing confusion and directing voters to incorrect polling locations.

The 336 members of the National Assembly consist of 266 general seats elected by first-past-the-post voting in single-member constituencies,[https://www.geo.tv/latest/420081-ecp-decrease-na-seats-to-336-after-preliminary-delimitation ECP decreases NA seats to 336 in the preliminary delimitation of constituencies] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230716024632/https://www.geo.tv/latest/420081-ecp-decrease-na-seats-to-336-after-preliminary-delimitation |date=16 July 2023}} GEO TV, 31 May 2022 60 seats that are reserved for women elected by proportional representation based on the number of general seats won by each party in each province, and ten seats that are reserved for non-Muslims elected through proportional representation based on the number of overall general seats won by each party. Independents cannot claim reserved seats.[https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/how-will-pakistan-form-its-next-government-2024-02-12/ How will Pakistan form a coalition government after split election results?], Reuters[https://na.gov.pk/en/composition.php Composition] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230929094844/https://na.gov.pk/en/composition.php |date=29 September 2023 }}, National Assembly of Pakistan

The government had passed a bill that required the next general elections to be held using EVMs (electronic voting machines). This was aimed at ending the allegations of rigging that have plagued previous elections in Pakistan. Still, the opposition's opinion was that it would make it extremely easy for PTI to rig the elections in their favour through security loopholes.{{Cite web|date=2021-04-25|title=PM vows to defeat the 'corrupt'|url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/2296678/2023-general-elections-will-be-free-and-fair-pledges-pm-imran|access-date=2021-04-27|website=The Express Tribune|language=en|archive-date=25 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625065558/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2296678/2023-general-elections-will-be-free-and-fair-pledges-pm-imran|url-status=live}}

In 2022 when the PTI-led government was ousted through a successful vote of no-confidence in the National Assembly, the 11 opposition parties, some of them being long-time rivals, formed a new government and passed the Elections Amendment Bill, which nullified the use of EVMs in the next general elections. Hence, EVMs were not used in the current general elections. Instead paper ballots were once again employed during the elections. Furthermore, overseas Pakistanis were also prevented from e-voting in these elections because of this amendment.{{Cite web |date=2022-05-26 |title=NA amends election laws to stop EVMs use |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2358414/na-amends-election-laws-to-stop-evms-use |access-date=2024-02-21 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en |archive-date=12 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230812003612/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2358414/na-amends-election-laws-to-stop-evms-use |url-status=live }}

{{Further|Election Commission of Pakistan general election forms}}

Registered voters in each polling station of an electoral district get two paper ballots to put a stamp on their preferred candidate for the national and provincial assembly respectively. These ballots are then counted by a presiding officer who then transmits the results for their polling station to the returning officer (RO) in Form 45. Copies of Form 45 are also given to the observing polling agents of the contesting candidates. The RO then consolidates these Form 45s, in front of the contesting candidates of the constituency they are overseeing, to give a provisional result in Form 47 before doing a final consolidation in Form 48. The ECP then uses the data from Forms 47 and 48 to officially notify elected members for each constituency using Form 49, provided that no candidate contested the unofficial consolidated counts given in Form 48.{{Cite web |date=2024-02-07 |title=Elections 2024: Comprehensive overview of Forms 45–49 |url=https://www.nation.com.pk/07-Feb-2024/elections-2024-comprehensive-overview-of-forms-45-49 |access-date=2024-02-10 |website=The Nation |language=en-US |archive-date=8 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240208165450/https://www.nation.com.pk/07-Feb-2024/elections-2024-comprehensive-overview-of-forms-45-49 |url-status=live }}

In July 2023 the ECP invited political parties to submit applications for the allocation of electoral symbols,{{cite news |last1=Khan |first1=Iftikhar A. |title=ECP asks political parties to apply for election symbols |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1762499/ecp-asks-political-parties-to-apply-for-election-symbols |work=DAWN |date=2 July 2023 |language=en |access-date=15 August 2023 |archive-date=15 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230815204207/https://www.dawn.com/news/1762499/ecp-asks-political-parties-to-apply-for-election-symbols |url-status=live }} given that about 40% of the Pakistani population is illiterate.

As of 25 July 2023, the total number of registered voters in Pakistan stood around 127 million as compared to 106 million (including 59.22 million men and 46.73 million women voters) in 2018, according to the data released by the ECP.{{cite news |last1=Khan |first1=Iftikhar A. |title=11.7m women added to the voter list, but the vast gender gap remains |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1776818/117m-women-added-to-voter-list-but-vast-gender-gap-remains |work=DAWN |date=20 September 2023 |language=en |access-date=20 September 2023 |archive-date=20 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230920152726/https://www.dawn.com/news/1776818/117m-women-added-to-voter-list-but-vast-gender-gap-remains |url-status=live }} According to the figures, the number of eligible female voters stood at 58.5 million (around 46 per cent of the total registered voters) while the number of eligible male voters was 68.5 million (about 54 per cent of the total voters).{{cite news |last1=Sadozai |first1=Irfan |title=Number of registered voters in Pakistan rises by 21m in four years |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1776736/number-of-registered-voters-in-pakistan-rises-by-21m-in-four-years |work=DAWN |date=19 September 2023 |language=en |access-date=20 September 2023 |archive-date=20 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230920073908/https://www.dawn.com/news/1776736/number-of-registered-voters-in-pakistan-rises-by-21m-in-four-years |url-status=live }}

In late September the ECP announced that citizens over 18 can update their voter details until 25 October 2023. The ECP decided to "unfreeze" the electoral rolls to allow registered voters to rectify or update their details.{{cite news |last1=Khan |first1=Iftikhar A. |title=Citizens allowed to amend voting information till Oct 25 |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1778482/citizens-allowed-to-amend-voting-information-till-oct-25 |work=DAWN |date=29 September 2023 |language=en |access-date=30 September 2023 |archive-date=30 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930012542/https://www.dawn.com/news/1778482/citizens-allowed-to-amend-voting-information-till-oct-25 |url-status=live }}

On 2 November 2023, President Arif Alvi and the ECP agreed on holding general elections on 8 February, after a meeting was held in Aiwan-i-Sadr on the orders of the Supreme Court. The court had instructed the ECP to consult with the President on the poll date.{{cite news |title=President, ECP agree on holding elections on February 8 |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1785760/president-ecp-agree-on-holding-elections-on-february-8 |work=DAWN |date=2 November 2023 |language=en |access-date=2 November 2023 |archive-date=2 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231102163154/https://www.dawn.com/news/1785760/president-ecp-agree-on-holding-elections-on-february-8 |url-status=live }}

On 15 December 2023, the ECP issued the election schedule. It set 22 December as the last date for filing nomination papers.{{cite web | url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1798171 | title=ECP issues schedule for Feb 8 general elections | date=15 December 2023 | access-date=15 December 2023 | archive-date=15 December 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215183555/https://www.dawn.com/news/1798171 | url-status=live }} On that day however, the ECP extended the deadline for the submission of nomination papers to 24 December.{{cite web | url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2450812/ecp-extends-deadline-for-submission-of-nomination-papers-by-two-days | title=Two more days granted for polls nominations | date=22 December 2023 | access-date=25 December 2023 | archive-date=22 December 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222063633/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2450812/ecp-extends-deadline-for-submission-of-nomination-papers-by-two-days | url-status=live }} More than 5,000 people were officially recognized as candidates for the 266 directly elected seats in the National Assembly, with only 313 of them being women.

Compared to the 46.89 percent female voter turnout in 2018, the share of female voters share decreased to 41.3 percent in 2024, while the male turnout increased from 56.01 percent to 58.7 percent.{{Cite web |title=Pakistan's elections in numbers — low turnout, gender inequality and voting mishaps |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1814162 |access-date=2024-02-23 |website=dawn.com |date=19 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=23 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240223032407/https://www.dawn.com/news/1814162 |url-status=live }}

According to data from the ECP, over 17,800 candidates contested the elections for national and provincial assemblies. Among them were 5,160 candidates, including 312 women and two transgender persons, who competed for 266 general seats of the National Assembly. The data revealed that the TLP, which debuted in the 2018 elections nominated more candidates than the country's two major parties — the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). The PPP nominated 219 candidates, while the PML-N fielded 212 candidates.{{cite news |last1=Wasim |first1=Amir |title=TLP fielding more NA candidates than PPP, PML-N, data shows |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1809045/tlp-fielding-more-na-candidates-than-ppp-pml-n-data-shows |access-date=17 March 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=27 January 2024 |language=en}}

{{Further|List of political parties in Pakistan}}

{{more citations needed|section|date=March 2024}}

The table below lists each party that either received a share of the vote higher than 0.5% in the 2018 Pakistan general election or had representation in the 15th National Assembly of Pakistan. Political parties are ordered by their vote share in the 2018 elections. Independent candidates received 11.46% of the vote and 13 national assembly seats (both general seats and total seats in the 15th National Assembly, as reserved seats for women and minorities, are given to political parties) in 2018.{{citation needed|date=February 2024}}

{{Main|Opinion polling for the 2024 Pakistani general election}}

In August 2023, the ECP imposed a total ban on entrance and exit polls including those on official digital media accounts of electronic and print media outlets.{{cite news |title=ECP code bars media from entry, exit polls |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1770208/ecp-code-bars-media-from-entry-exit-polls |work=DAWN |date=15 August 2023 |language=en |access-date=15 August 2023 |archive-date=15 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230815201946/https://www.dawn.com/news/1770208/ecp-code-bars-media-from-entry-exit-polls |url-status=live }} Before the ban, opinion polling in June 2023 by Gallup Pakistan, the Institute of Public Opinion Research (IPOR) and IRIS showed that the PML-N had regained its lead over the PTI especially in the country's largest province, Punjab.{{citation needed|date=February 2024}}

File:Opinion polling graph for the Pakistan general election 2024.svg

The ECP categorised half the country's 90,675 polling stations as either "sensitive", meaning there is a risk of violence, or "most sensitive", indicating a higher risk. The classifications were based on the area's security situation and history of electoral violence.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-68226228 |title=Pakistan holds election tainted by rigging claims |work=BBC |date=8 February 2024 |access-date=8 February 2024 |archive-date=8 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240208002730/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-68226228 |url-status=live }} In Balochistan Province alone, caretaker provincial home minister Muhammad Zubair Jamali said that almost 80% of its 5,028 polling stations had been declared "sensitive".{{Cite news |last=Baloch |first=Shah Meer |date=2024-02-07 |title=At least 30 killed in two bombings at election offices in Pakistan |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/07/bombings-at-election-offices-in-pakistan |access-date=2024-02-07 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=7 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240207102221/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/07/bombings-at-election-offices-in-pakistan |url-status=live }}

On 25 January 2024, the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan pledged not to stage attacks on election rallies and would limit itself to attacking military and police targets during the election period. This followed the government's decision to deploy troops in sensitive constituencies after intelligence agencies warned that militants could target rallies.{{cite web |url=https://apnews.com/article/pakistan-taliban-deny-threats-elections-db8ca74319bf5639c32c4ae7372e6a09 |title=Pakistani Taliban pledge not to attack election rallies ahead of Feb. 8 vote |work=Associated Press |date=25 January 2024 |access-date=25 January 2024 |archive-date=25 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125115534/https://apnews.com/article/pakistan-taliban-deny-threats-elections-db8ca74319bf5639c32c4ae7372e6a09 |url-status=live }}

Two candidates were killed during the election campaign. On 10 January, Malik Kaleem Ullah, an independent candidate for the Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, was shot dead while on a door-to-door sortie, while on 31 January, Rehan Zaib Khan, an independent candidate affiliated with the PTI, was killed after gunmen opened fire on his car in a market in Bajaur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in an attack that also injured three people and was claimed by the Islamic State – Khorasan Province (ISIS-K). On 30 January, four people were killed and five others injured in an explosion during a PTI rally in Sibi, Balochistan Province, while on 31 January, 15 people were injured in attacks on residences and offices of PPP candidates and the election office of the PML-N in Balochistan, which was partially claimed by the Baloch Liberation Army.{{cite web |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/02/01/asia/pakistan-election-candidate-killed-intl-hnk/index.html |title=Pakistan election candidate shot dead as violence escalates ahead of nationwide vote |work=CNN |date=1 February 2024 |access-date=5 February 2024 |archive-date=5 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240205102205/https://edition.cnn.com/2024/02/01/asia/pakistan-election-candidate-killed-intl-hnk/index.html |url-status=live }} On 7 February, 29 people were killed in explosions outside an independent candidate's office and an office of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) (JUI-F) in Balochistan.{{cite web |url=https://apnews.com/article/pakistan-bombing-baluchistan-killed-election-471783e425dcfc0e63c235da23c52a73 |title=Bombings at Pakistani political offices kill at least 29 a day before parliamentary elections |work=Associated Press |date=7 February 2024 |access-date=7 February 2024 |archive-date=7 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240207160132/https://apnews.com/article/pakistan-bombing-baluchistan-killed-election-471783e425dcfc0e63c235da23c52a73 |url-status=live }} Both attacks were claimed by ISIS-K.{{Cite web |date=2024-02-07 |title=Bomb blasts kill dozens day before Pakistan vote |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-68226516 |access-date=2024-02-07 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB |archive-date=7 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240207094824/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-68226516 |url-status=live }}

The Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the closure of its borders with Iran and Afghanistan on the eve of the general elections on 8 February, as a measure to enhance security.{{cite web | url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/2455846/amp | title=Pakistan to close border with Iran, Afghanistan to ensure peaceful elections amid militant attacks | date=8 February 2024 | access-date=8 February 2024 | archive-date=8 February 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240208093725/https://www.arabnews.com/node/2455846/amp | url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=https://www.nation.com.pk/08-Feb-2024/pakistan-closes-borders-with-iran-afghanistan-on-elections | title=Pakistan closes borders with Iran, Afghanistan on elections | date=8 February 2024 | access-date=8 February 2024 | archive-date=8 February 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240208122437/https://www.nation.com.pk/08-Feb-2024/pakistan-closes-borders-with-iran-afghanistan-on-elections | url-status=live }}

Ten minutes before polling stations opened, the interior ministry announced the suspension of mobile internet services across the country, citing recent terrorist incidents.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-68226228 |title=Pakistan elections 2024: Polls close in a vote marred by internet cut |work=BBC |date=8 February 2024 |access-date=8 February 2024 |archive-date=8 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240208002730/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-68226228 |url-status=live }} NetBlocks director Alp Toker called the outage "amongst the largest" that they had observed. PPP leader Bilawal Bhutto Zardari demanded that the government restore services and said its lawyers would challenge the decision in court.{{cite web |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20240208-pakistan-suspends-mobile-service-for-election-day |title=Pakistan suspends mobile service for election day |work=France 24 |date=8 February 2024 |access-date=8 February 2024 |archive-date=8 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240208083559/https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20240208-pakistan-suspends-mobile-service-for-election-day |url-status=live }} The PTI called the outage a "cowardly act".{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-68223977 |title=Pakistan elections 2024: Count underway after controversial election |work=BBC |date=8 February 2024 |access-date=9 February 2024 |archive-date=9 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240209023733/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-68223977 |url-status=live }}

In Balochistan, grenades were thrown at two polling stations by unidentified individuals. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a soldier was killed in an attack by gunmen in Kot Azam,{{cite web |url=https://apnews.com/article/pakistan-election-new-parliament-bebb49b2ef9df79e491b7cbe2221b0da |title=Pakistan votes for a new parliament as militant attacks surge and jailed leader's party cries foul |work=Associated Press |date=8 February 2024 |access-date=8 February 2024 |archive-date=8 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240208070017/https://apnews.com/article/pakistan-election-new-parliament-bebb49b2ef9df79e491b7cbe2221b0da |url-status=live }} while five security personnel were killed in an attack in Kulachi. A polling station in the same province was shelled by mortars. Two security officers were killed and nine wounded by an explosion near a polling station in Lajja, Balochistan, while two people were injured following 14 "minor blasts" in Gwadar.{{cite web |url=https://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20240208-polls-open-in-pakistan-with-khan-in-jail-and-sharif-tipped-to-win |title=Polls close in Pakistan after millions vote in election marred by violence |work=France 24 |date=8 February 2024 |access-date=8 February 2024 |archive-date=8 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240208142556/https://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20240208-polls-open-in-pakistan-with-khan-in-jail-and-sharif-tipped-to-win |url-status=live }}

On 9 February, two PTI workers were killed and 24 others were injured after clashes broke out between police and PTI supporters demonstrating against alleged electoral fraud in Shangla District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.{{cite web |url=https://www.barrons.com/news/two-killed-in-election-unrest-in-northwest-pakistan-police-2dd52617 |title=Two Killed In Election Unrest In Northwest Pakistan: Police |date=9 February 2024 |work=Barron's |access-date=9 February 2024 |archive-date=9 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240209194055/https://www.barrons.com/news/two-killed-in-election-unrest-in-northwest-pakistan-police-2dd52617 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/02/09/asia/pakistan-election-nawaz-sharif-intl/index.html |title=In shock result, allies of jailed ex-leader Khan win most seats in Pakistan election |date=9 February 2024 |work=CNN |access-date=10 February 2024 |archive-date=10 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210063623/https://edition.cnn.com/2024/02/09/asia/pakistan-election-nawaz-sharif-intl/index.html |url-status=live }} On 10 February, Mohsin Dawar, the leader of the National Democratic Movement who was running for a national assembly seat in North Waziristan, was seriously injured in a gun attack in Miranshah.{{cite web |url=https://www.samaa.tv/208739566-elections-2024-mohsin-dawar-injured-in-alleged-police-firing-incident |title=Elections 2024: Mohsin Dawar injured in alleged Police firing incident |date=10 February 2024 |work=Samaa |access-date=10 February 2024 |archive-date=10 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210231946/https://www.samaa.tv/208739566-elections-2024-mohsin-dawar-injured-in-alleged-police-firing-incident |url-status=live }} On 11 February, six people, including a police officer, were killed and five others were injured in election-related clashes in Larkana.{{cite web |url=https://en.wenews.pk/six-people-including-cop-killed-in-larkana-report/ |title=Six People Including Cop Killed in Larkana: Report |date=11 February 2024 |work=We News |access-date=11 February 2024 |archive-date=12 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212142934/https://en.wenews.pk/six-people-including-cop-killed-in-larkana-report/ |url-status=live }} On 12 February, Chaudhry Muhammad Adnan, a former PTI member of the Punjab Assembly and Independent candidate for the NA-57 Rawalpindi-VI and PP-19 Rawalpindi-XIII constituencies in Punjab, was shot dead in Rawalpindi.{{cite web |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1813652/ex-pti-mpa-gunned-down-in-rawalpindi-police |title=Ex-PTI MPA gunned down in Rawalpindi: police |date=12 February 2024 |work=Dawn |access-date=13 February 2024 |archive-date=12 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212185020/https://www.dawn.com/news/1813652/ex-pti-mpa-gunned-down-in-rawalpindi-police |url-status=live }} On 13 February, three people were killed and five others were injured in a gun attack on a PPP victory rally in Dera Ismail Khan.{{cite web |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1813753/three-killed-in-firing-on-ppp-rally-in-di-khan |title=Three killed in firing on PPP rally in DI Khan |date=13 February 2024 |work=Dawn |access-date=13 February 2024 |archive-date=14 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214123330/https://www.dawn.com/news/1813753/three-killed-in-firing-on-ppp-rally-in-di-khan |url-status=live }} On 14 February, two people were killed and 13 others were injured in clashes between BAP and PPP supporters during a recount outside the office of the returning officer in Hub, Balochistan.{{cite web |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1814348 |title=Two killed, 13 hurt in firing amid recount of Hub votes |date=15 February 2024 |work=Dawn |access-date=15 February 2024 |archive-date=16 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216013448/https://www.dawn.com/news/1814348 |url-status=live }}

{{See also| List of members of the 16th National Assembly of Pakistan}}

The election was postponed in the NA-8 Bajaur constituency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa due to the killing of candidate Rehan Zeb Khan. Provincial assembly elections were also postponed in the constituencies of PK-22 and PK-91 (both in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) due to the deaths of candidates there.{{Cite web |date=2024-02-01 |title=Elections postponed in NA-8, PK-22 and PK-91 |url=https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/788605-Elections-called-off-in-NA-8,-PK-22,-91 |access-date=2024-02-02 |website=Dunya News |language=en |archive-date=2 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202105942/https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/788605-Elections-called-off-in-NA-8,-PK-22,-91 |url-status=live }}

File:PTI constituency-wise vote share (2024).svg]]

File:PML(N) constituency-wise vote share (2024).svg]]

File:PPP constituency-wise vote share (2024).svg]]

{{Election results

|image=File:16th National Assembly (Pakistan).svg

|seattype1=General

|seattype2=Women

|seattype3=Minority

|seattype4=Total

|party1=PTI

|votes1=18457567

|st1t1=93

|st2t1=0

|st3t1=0

|st4t1=93

|color1={{party colour|Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf}}

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|source=[https://www.elections.gov.pk/national-assembly ECP], [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-68266845 BBC], [https://tribune.com.pk/story/2457438/ecp-distributes-45-na-reserved-seats Tribune]

[https://www.galluppakistandigitalanalytics.com/general-elections-2024-pakistan-dashboard/ Gallup]

}}

{{main|Allegations of rigging in 2024 Pakistani general election}}

{{See also|Alleged electoral manipulation in Pakistan}}

The election saw delays in the reporting of results across thousands of polling stations, sparking controversy. Initial reports suggested PTI-backed candidates were leading,{{cite news |last1=Grim |first1=Ryan |title=Historic Turnout in Pakistan Is Swamping the Military's Effort to Rig the Election |url=https://theintercept.com/2024/02/09/pakistan-election-military-pti/ |access-date=10 February 2024 |work=The Intercept |date=9 February 2024 |archive-date=9 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240209232354/https://theintercept.com/2024/02/09/pakistan-election-military-pti/ |url-status=live }} but the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) refuted these claims.{{cite web | url=https://www.app.com.pk/national/ecp-instructs-provincial-election-commissioners-ros-to-announce-results-within-30-minutes/ | title=ECP instructs Provincial Election Commissioners, ROs to announce results within 30 minutes | date=9 February 2024 | access-date=9 February 2024 | archive-date=9 February 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240209001108/https://www.app.com.pk/national/ecp-instructs-provincial-election-commissioners-ros-to-announce-results-within-30-minutes/ | url-status=live }} Instances of alleged tampering emerged, including significant discrepancies in vote counts and unexpected shifts in results.{{Cite web |date=2024-02-09 |title=PTI-Backed Candidate Basharat Alleges Discrepancy Between Form 45 And Form 47 |url=http://www.dawn.com/news/1812641 |access-date=2024-02-09 |website=DAWN.COM |language=en |archive-date=10 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210120755/https://www.dawn.com/news/1812641 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Pakistan election results: Pakistan election count close amid rigging allegations |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/world-asia-68224671 |access-date=2024-02-09 |website=BBC News |date=9 February 2024 |language=en-gb |archive-date=9 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240209053622/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/world-asia-68224671 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Pakistan polls: PTI alleges election tampering, claims votes 'stolen |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/international/pakistan-polls-pti-alleges-election-tampering-claims-votes-stolen/videoshow/107552872.cms |access-date=2024-02-09 |website=The Times of India |language=en |archive-date=9 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240209161230/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/international/pakistan-polls-pti-alleges-election-tampering-claims-votes-stolen/videoshow/107552872.cms |url-status=live }} PTI officials accused the ECP of manipulation and initiated legal challenges.{{Cite web |date=2024-02-09 |title=LHC suspends RO's Form-47 prepared in Raja's absence |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2455954/lhc-suspends-ros-form-47-prepared-in-salman-akram-rajas-absence |access-date=2024-02-09 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en |archive-date=12 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212143003/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2455954/lhc-suspends-ros-form-47-prepared-in-salman-akram-rajas-absence |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2024-02-10 |title=Haleem Adil challenges results of NA-238 in SHC |url=https://gnnhd.tv/news/30979/haleem-adil-challenges-results-of-na-238-in-shc |access-date=2024-02-10 |website=GNN |language=en-US |archive-date=10 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210082418/https://gnnhd.tv/news/30979/haleem-adil-challenges-results-of-na-238-in-shc |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Candidates move PHC against alleged rigging |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1156075-candidates-move-phc-against-alleged-rigging |access-date=2024-02-10 |website=www.thenews.com.pk |language=en |archive-date=10 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210231935/https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1156075-candidates-move-phc-against-alleged-rigging |url-status=live }} Concerns grew as delays persisted, with accusations of internet shutdowns aimed at impeding opposition efforts.{{Cite web |title=Independent candidates backed by ex-PM Khan's party lead as Pakistan announces election results |url=https://apnews.com/article/pakistan-election-results-sharif-khan-bfa8fa609e29aff4e656491340bba56e |access-date=2024-02-09 |website=Associated Press |date=9 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=9 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240209152742/https://apnews.com/article/pakistan-election-results-sharif-khan-bfa8fa609e29aff4e656491340bba56e |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Noack |first1=Rick |title=How millions of young people broke Pakistan's rules of politics |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/02/14/pakistan-election-imran-khan-youth/ |access-date=15 February 2024 |newspaper=Washington Post |date=14 February 2024}} PTI leaders contested official results, claiming widespread irregularities and fabrications, prompting legal action and calls for resignations within the ECP.{{cite news |title=PTI demands 'immediate' resignation of CEC Sikandar Sultan Raja |url=https://www.brecorder.com/news/40289791 |access-date=24 February 2024 |work=Brecorder |date=20 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=24 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224233329/https://www.brecorder.com/news/40289791 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Barrister Gohar Khan shares details of NA seats 'won by PTI' |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1813893 |access-date=23 February 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=13 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=14 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214185759/https://www.dawn.com/news/1813893 |url-status=live }} Revelations of electoral fraud surfaced, including admissions from officials implicated in rigging.{{cite news |title=Commissioner Rawalpindi Chatha quits out of 'guilty conscience' for abetting election rigging |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/531474-commissioner-rawalpindi-quits-out-of-guilty-conscience-for-abetting-election-rigging |access-date=17 February 2024 |work=www.geo.tv |date=17 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=17 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240217194304/https://www.geo.tv/latest/531474-commissioner-rawalpindi-quits-out-of-guilty-conscience-for-abetting-election-rigging |url-status=live }} Despite retractions,{{Cite web |title=Ex-Rawalpindi commissioner Liaquat Chattha apologizes for 'false' rigging allegations |url=https://www.samaa.tv/2087310195-ex-rawalpindi-commissioner-liaquat-chattha-apologizes-for-false-rigging-allegations |website=samaa.tv |access-date=2024-02-27 |archive-date=2024-02-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240222165709/https://www.samaa.tv/2087310195-ex-rawalpindi-commissioner-liaquat-chattha-apologizes-for-false-rigging-allegations |url-status=live }} doubts lingered, leading to urgent calls for investigations by election monitoring groups like the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN).{{cite news |title=FAFEN asks ECP to audit election results |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2456863/1 |access-date=20 February 2024 |work=The Express Tribune |date=18 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=4 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240304105427/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2456863/1 |url-status=live }} The Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT) underscored declining fairness in its independent evaluation of the election, advocating for a thorough investigation by the ECP to address systemic issues.{{cite news |title=Pakistan 2024 election fairness score plummets to lowest since 2013 – PILDAT |url=https://www.arabnews.pk/node/2472046/pakistan |access-date=6 March 2024 |work=Arab News PK |date=6 March 2024 |language=en |archive-date=11 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240311100723/https://www.arabnews.pk/node/2472046/pakistan |url-status=live }}

On 17 February, Rawalpindi Division commissioner Liaquat Ali Chattha resigned from his post after admitting his role in electoral fraud in the locality where 11 out of a total of 13 national assembly seats were won by PML-N candidates. He claimed his office helped candidates, who were trailing in the actual vote counts by approximately 70,000 votes per candidate, to secure victory using fake stamps.{{cite news |title=Top bureaucrat in Pakistan's Rawalpindi resigns after admitting responsibility for manipulating poll results |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/2461576/pakistan |access-date=17 February 2024 |work=Arab News |date=17 February 2024 |language=en}}{{cite news |title='We convert losers into winners': Rawalpindi Commissioner Liaquat Ali Chattha resigns for rigging Pak poll results |url=https://www.firstpost.com/world/we-convert-losers-into-winners-rawalpindi-commissioner-liaquat-ali-chattha-resigns-for-rigging-pak-poll-results-13738062.html |access-date=17 February 2024 |work=Firstpost |date=17 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=17 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240217193438/https://www.firstpost.com/world/we-convert-losers-into-winners-rawalpindi-commissioner-liaquat-ali-chattha-resigns-for-rigging-pak-poll-results-13738062.html |url-status=live }} He implicated Chief Electoral Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja and Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa in the scheme.{{cite news |title=Pakistan elections: Rawalpindi commissioner resigns admitting to tampering results |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/asia/south-asia/pakistan-elections-rigging-imran-khan-b2497875.html |access-date=17 February 2024 |work=The Independent |date=17 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=17 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240217193523/https://www.independent.co.uk/asia/south-asia/pakistan-elections-rigging-imran-khan-b2497875.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Naseer |first1=Tahir |last2=Sheikh |first2=Adnan |title=Rawalpindi commissioner says poll results 'manipulated' under his watch; ECP rejects claims |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1814959/rawalpindi-commissioner-says-poll-results-manipulated-under-his-watch-ecp-rejects-claims |access-date=17 February 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=17 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=17 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240217190343/https://www.dawn.com/news/1814959/rawalpindi-commissioner-says-poll-results-manipulated-under-his-watch-ecp-rejects-claims |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Pakistan bureaucrat 'accepts responsibility' for poll result manipulation, resigns |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/pakistan-election-rawalpindi-commissioner-liaquat-ali-chattha-poll-rigging-2503484-2024-02-17 |access-date=17 February 2024 |work=India Today |date=17 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=17 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240217193454/https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/pakistan-election-rawalpindi-commissioner-liaquat-ali-chattha-poll-rigging-2503484-2024-02-17 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Rawalpindi commissioner resigns over alleged election rigging |url=https://www.samaa.tv/208739865-rawalpindi-commissioner-resigns-over-alleged-election-rigging |access-date=17 February 2024 |work=Samaa TV |date=17 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=17 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240217090715/https://www.samaa.tv/208739865-rawalpindi-commissioner-resigns-over-alleged-election-rigging |url-status=live }} The ECP denied the allegations, saying that divisional commissioners had no direct role in the electoral process, and said it would launch an inquiry.{{cite news |title=ECP refutes Rawalpindi commissioner's allegations, initiates inquiry |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2456748/ecp-refutes-rawalpindi-commissioners-allegations-initiates-inquiry |access-date=17 February 2024 |work=The Express Tribune |date=17 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=17 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240217193458/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2456748/ecp-refutes-rawalpindi-commissioners-allegations-initiates-inquiry |url-status=live }} Isa rejected the commissioner's allegation, calling them "baseless".{{cite news |title='Present evidence', CJP Isa on Rawalpindi commissioner's rigging claims |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1158635-present-evidence-cjp-isa-on-rawalpindi-commissioners-rigging-claims |access-date=17 February 2024 |work=www.thenews.com.pk |date=17 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=17 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240217193449/https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1158635-present-evidence-cjp-isa-on-rawalpindi-commissioners-rigging-claims |url-status=live }} The PTI also called for an investigation.{{cite news |title=PTI calls for probe into Pindi commissioner's electoral fraud allegations |url=https://www.samaa.tv/208739869-pti-calls-for-probe-into-pindi-commissioner-s-electoral-fraud-allegations |access-date=17 February 2024 |work=Samaa TV |date=17 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=17 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240217193431/https://www.samaa.tv/208739869-pti-calls-for-probe-into-pindi-commissioner-s-electoral-fraud-allegations |url-status=live }} Following his announcement, Chattha surrendered to police, who sealed off his office as part of an investigation.{{cite news |title=Official shunted after rigging bombshell |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1815126 |access-date=18 February 2024 |work=Dawn |date=18 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=18 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240218033217/https://www.dawn.com/news/1815126 |url-status=live }} In addition to the PTI, PML-N senator also demanded the resignation of Sikandar Sultan Raja over the rigging allegations.{{cite news |title=PML-N senator demands CEC Sikandar Sultan Raja's resignation |url=https://www.nation.com.pk/27-Feb-2024/pml-n-senator-demands-cec-sikandar-sultan-raja-s-resignation |access-date=17 March 2024 |work=The Nation |date=27 February 2024}}

Following Chattha's statement, X (formerly Twitter) was subsequently blocked in Pakistan,{{cite news |last1=Dagia |first1=Niha |title=How long can govt hide behind 'all is well on X' mantra? |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1822611/how-long-can-govt-hide-behind-all-is-well-on-x-mantra |access-date=20 March 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=20 March 2024 |language=en}}{{cite news |title=X, formerly Twitter still down in Pakistan |url=https://www.nation.com.pk/19-Feb-2024/x-remains-intermittently-down-in-pakistan |access-date=20 March 2024 |work=The Nation |date=19 February 2024}}{{cite news |title=IHC issues notices to ministry, PTA over suspension of X |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2458453/ihc-issues-notices-to-ministry-pta-over-suspension-of-social-media-platform-x |access-date=20 March 2024 |work=The Express Tribune |date=5 March 2024 |language=en}} without explanation. President Alvi commented that the blocking of social media websites in Pakistan reflected a lack of intellectual capacity to manage criticism.{{cite news |title=X becomes govt's first target |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2457017/x-becomes-govts-first-target |access-date=20 February 2024 |work=The Express Tribune |date=20 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=20 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240220080838/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2457017/x-becomes-govts-first-target |url-status=live }} The government initially dismissed reports of Twitter being blocked, but a document presented to the court on 20 March revealed that the Ministry of Interior and intelligence agencies had ordered the suspension of the website on 17 February, following a statement of Chattha's alleging election rigging. After more than a month, the government acknowledged on 20 March that Twitter was blocked in Pakistan.{{cite news |title=X-cuses aplenty |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1822892 |access-date=21 March 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=21 March 2024 |language=en}}{{cite news |title=X blocked on direction of interior ministry: PTA |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1170448-x-blocked-on-direction-of-interior-ministry-pta-tells-sindh-high-court |access-date=21 March 2024 |work=www.thenews.com.pk |date=21 March 2024 |language=en}}{{cite news |last1=Tanoli |first1=Ishaq |title=X banned on interior ministry's instructions following intelligence agencies' reports, PTA informs SHC |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1822770/x-banned-on-interior-ministrys-instructions-following-intelligence-agencies-reports-pta-informs-shc |access-date=21 March 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=20 March 2024 |language=en}}

On 22 February however, Chattha retracted his claims of election rigging and apologised to the ECP, saying that the PTI offered a strong position for making the allegations.{{Cite web |date=2024-02-22 |title=Former Rawalpindi Commissioner Liaqat Ali Chatha records his statement |url=https://pakobserver.net/former-rawalpindi-commissioner-liaqat-ali-chatha-records-his-statement/ |access-date=2024-02-22 |website=Pakistan Observer |language=en-US |archive-date=2024-02-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240222165709/https://pakobserver.net/former-rawalpindi-commissioner-liaqat-ali-chatha-records-his-statement/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2024-02-22 |title=Ex-Pindi commissioner apologises for rigging allegations |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2457295/political-pressure-ex-pindi-commissioner-apologises-for-rigging-allegations |access-date=2024-02-22 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en |archive-date=2024-02-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240223204647/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2457295/political-pressure-ex-pindi-commissioner-apologises-for-rigging-allegations |url-status=live }} He also said that his mention of the Chief Justice of Pakistan was "taken to create mistrust in general public" against Qazi Faiz Isa.{{Cite web |title=U-Turn: Here's complete statement of ex-commissioner Rawalpindi Liaqat Ali Chatha |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/532194-u-turn-heres-complete-statement-of-ex-commissioner-rawalpindi-liaqat-ali-chatha |access-date=2024-02-22 |website=www.geo.tv |language=en |archive-date=2024-02-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240222165709/https://www.geo.tv/latest/532194-u-turn-heres-complete-statement-of-ex-commissioner-rawalpindi-liaqat-ali-chatha |url-status=live }}

Rumors spread on social media claiming that international media outlets had reported the PTI winning over 150 seats. However, a fact-check conducted by iVerify found no evidence to support these claims.{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1813027|title=Fact check: International media did not report PTI winning over 150 seats in Feb 8 polls|work=Dawn News|date=10 February 2024|access-date=16 February 2024|archive-date=15 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215090425/https://www.dawn.com/news/1813027|url-status=live}}

The official Twitter account of Imran Khan, the de facto leader of the PTI, was involved in disseminating false information by sharing a fabricated video purportedly showing post-election rigging.{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1815630|title='Post-poll rigging' videos or a damp squib?|work=Dawn|date=20 February 2024|access-date=23 February 2024|archive-date=22 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240222132456/https://www.dawn.com/news/1815630|url-status=live}}

Gallup Pakistan's exit poll survey indicated that the PTI garnered significant support from educated youth, with 41 percent of its voters being high school-educated individuals aged 18 to 24 or older. Conversely, the PML-N and the PPP received more backing from illiterate and middle-pass voters. Among bachelor's and master's degree holders, 35% supported the PTI, 15% favored the PML-N, and 10% supported the PPP. Meanwhile, the PML-N secured 29% of votes from illiterate voters, compared to the PPP's 23% and the PTI's 21%. Among middle-pass voters, 31% voted for the PML-N, 26% for the PTI, and 15% for the PPP, as per the survey findings.{{cite news |title=Educated Youth Voted For PTI, Illiterates Voted For PML-N And PPP: Gallup |url=https://thefridaytimes.com/10-Mar-2024/educated-youth-voted-for-pti-illiterates-voted-for-pml-n-and-ppp-gallup |access-date=10 March 2024 |work=The Friday Times |date=10 March 2024 |language=en |archive-date=11 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240311100644/https://thefridaytimes.com/10-Mar-2024/educated-youth-voted-for-pti-illiterates-voted-for-pml-n-and-ppp-gallup |url-status=live }}

Media outlets around the world denounced the election as "fraudulent" with western media characterized the election as already decided, favoring the military-backed candidate Nawaz Sharif.

The New York Times wrote the election results had caught many off guard, as the PML-N was widely anticipated to secure a landslide victory with the backing of the military. The report noted that voters expressed frustration with the military's interference in politics and opted to vote for PTI candidates in defiance of the military generals.{{cite news |last1=Goldbaum |first1=Christina |last2=ur-Rehman |first2=Zia |title=Pakistan Election Surprise: Imran Khan's Party Puts Up a Fight |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/09/world/asia/pakistan-election-results.html |access-date=10 February 2024 |work=The New York Times |date=9 February 2024 |archive-date=10 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210012512/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/09/world/asia/pakistan-election-results.html |url-status=live }} It went on to say the election results had humiliated the military establishment and started a new political crisis in the country.{{cite news |last1=Goldbaum |first1=Christina |title=Shocking Opposition Victory Throws Pakistan Into Chaos |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/10/world/asia/pakistan-election-imran-kahn.html |access-date=10 February 2024 |work=The New York Times |date=10 February 2024 |archive-date=10 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210170249/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/10/world/asia/pakistan-election-imran-kahn.html |url-status=live }} Another article by the same newspaper said that the growing public discontent with military interference in politics is likely to pressure Pakistan's army chief General Asim Munir, with his only options being to reconcile with Imran Khan or push forward with an anti-Khan coalition, which many analysts believe would be weak and unsustainable.{{cite news |last1=Masood |first1=Salman |title=Election Shocker in Pakistan: Where the Country Goes From Here |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/11/world/asia/pakistan-election.html |access-date=12 February 2024 |work=The New York Times |date=11 February 2024 |archive-date=12 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212011653/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/11/world/asia/pakistan-election.html |url-status=live }}

The Washington Post in its editorial board wrote following the election outcome, the military's control is being questioned more than ever before, possibly in decades as for the first time, the military-preferred candidate, Nawaz Sharif, was unable to win the most seats.{{cite news |last1=Board |first1=Editorial |title=Opinion: Pakistan's shocking election result shows authoritarians don't always win |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/02/11/pakistan-military-elections-authoritarianism-imran-khan/ |access-date=15 February 2024 |newspaper=Washington Post |date=12 February 2024}} In a separate piece, it wrote that the youth of Pakistan caused the most significant election upset in the country's recent history saying that the youth is increasingly discontented with economic uncertainty and blame corruption and political dynasties. This dissatisfaction is now being expressed more openly on social media, potentially straining the relationship between civilian leaders and the military which will have long-lasting effects. It also wrote that the election results were a humiliation for Sharif, despite being seen as the favoured candidate of the Pakistani military, which had held significant influence in determining the prime minister.{{cite news |title=Allies of ex-premier Imran Khan secure biggest share of seats in Pakistan's final election tally |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/02/11/pakistan-election-result-khan-sharif/0e5fe786-c8e3-11ee-aa8e-1e5794a4b2d6_story.html |access-date=11 February 2024 |newspaper=Washington Post |date=11 February 2024}}

France 24 called the election "The 'generals' elections' which turned against the military". It also dubbed the election as the "most rigged" in the country's history saying the military was seen as backing Nawaz Sharif.{{cite news |title=The 'generals' elections' in Pakistan that turned against the military |url=https://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20240209-the-generals-elections-that-turned-against-pakistan-s-military |access-date=10 February 2024 |work=France 24 |date=9 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=10 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210010848/https://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20240209-the-generals-elections-that-turned-against-pakistan-s-military |url-status=live }} According to Time, the Pakistani military did everything to "sideline Imran Khan—and failed," but said that the military was continuing to try and prevent the PTI from returning to power{{cite magazine |title=Pakistan's Military Couldn't Keep Imran Khan Down. Now What? |url=https://time.com/6693147/pakistan-election-results-imran-khan-pti-military/ |access-date=10 February 2024 |magazine=Time |date=9 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=10 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210010759/https://time.com/6693147/pakistan-election-results-imran-khan-pti-military/ |url-status=live }} calling the election result as an embarrassment for Sharif.{{cite magazine |title=Imran Khan Allies Take Lead In Pakistan Election Final Tally |url=https://time.com/6693631/imran-khan-allies-lead-pakistan-election-final-results/ |access-date=15 February 2024 |magazine=Time |date=11 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=14 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214233341/https://time.com/6693631/imran-khan-allies-lead-pakistan-election-final-results/ |url-status=live }}

Ryan Grim in an article published by The Intercept wrote the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), was poised to manipulate the election outcome to ensure Nawaz Sharif's victory. However, they were overwhelmed by the unexpected surge of PTI support. In a different piece, Grim wrote that the historic turnout in Pakistan was swamping the military's effort to rig the election and that the military has proved unable to suppress the populist movement interrogating its authority. The Economist called the election "botched", but wrote that the military favours the "shabby" result, fearing that it would lose its economic benefits shout it give up power.{{cite news |title=Pakistan is out of friends and out of money |url=https://www.economist.com/leaders/2024/02/14/pakistan-is-out-of-friends-and-out-of-money?utm_medium=social-media.content.np&utm_source=twitter&utm_campaign=editorial-social&utm_content=discovery.content |access-date=15 February 2024 |newspaper=The Economist |date=14 February 2024 |archive-date=16 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216012139/https://www.economist.com/leaders/2024/02/14/pakistan-is-out-of-friends-and-out-of-money |url-status=live }} It also suggested that the despite their efforts, the military leadership did not seem to have as much control as they believed to prevent Khan from winning.{{cite news |title=Confusion reigns in Pakistan's rigged election |url=https://www.economist.com/asia/2024/02/09/confusion-reigns-in-pakistans-rigged-election |access-date=10 February 2024 |newspaper=The Economist |archive-date=10 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210001634/https://www.economist.com/asia/2024/02/09/confusion-reigns-in-pakistans-rigged-election |url-status=live }} It also said the election outcome was a strong message to the military and could potentially mark a shift in its influence over Pakistani politics, while adding that a prolonged period of political instability could occur in the short-term. It called the electoral process "dubious" which was preceded by a coordinated campaign by the military against Imran Khan.{{cite news |title=Pakistan's voters tell the generals where to put it |url=https://www.economist.com/asia/2024/02/12/pakistans-voters-tell-the-generals-where-to-put-it |access-date=12 February 2024 |newspaper=The Economist |date=12 February 2024 |archive-date=12 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212143030/https://www.economist.com/asia/2024/02/12/pakistans-voters-tell-the-generals-where-to-put-it |url-status=live }}

The Guardian noted that suspicions of military rigging arose during election day due to a nationwide mobile phone blackout and the slow counting of results, leading to concerns that the military was exerting influence to secure the PML-N's success.{{cite news |title=Pakistan army chief calls for unity as election fails to produce clear winner |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/10/pakistan-army-chief-calls-for-unity-as-election-fails-to-produce-clear-winner |access-date=10 February 2024 |work=The Guardian |date=10 February 2024 |archive-date=10 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210154525/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/10/pakistan-army-chief-calls-for-unity-as-election-fails-to-produce-clear-winner |url-status=live }} It added that the military's attempts to influence the election appeared to have been thwarted, particularly due to the PTI's effective utilization of social media, given the significant levels of illiteracy in the country.{{cite news |title=The Observer view on Pakistan voters' rejection of military rule: a victory for democracy |url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/feb/11/the-observer-view-on-pakistan-rejection-of-military-rule |access-date=11 February 2024 |work=The Observer |date=11 February 2024 |archive-date=11 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240211061643/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/feb/11/the-observer-view-on-pakistan-rejection-of-military-rule |url-status=live }} In a separate article, The Guardian noted analysts' views that the election results and potential weak coalition government align with the military's interests, protecting their political and business agendas.{{cite news |last1=Ellis-Petersen |first1=Hannah |last2=Baloch |first2=Shah Meer |title=Imran Khan claims victory in Pakistan poll but military might have final say |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/10/imran-khan-claims-victory-in-pakistan-poll-but-military-might-have-final-say |access-date=11 February 2024 |work=The Observer |date=10 February 2024 |archive-date=10 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210225751/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/10/imran-khan-claims-victory-in-pakistan-poll-but-military-might-have-final-say |url-status=live }}

The Financial Times in its editorial called the election results "flawed" and "shocking", at the same time describing it as a rejection of military influence. Pakistani columnist Khurram Husain was quoted in a separate piece in the newspaper as saying that Pakistan will experience not only the influence of the military but also a collaborative endeavour involving the judiciary and major political parties to thwart the PTI from assuming power.{{cite news |title=Pakistan plunges into power vacuum after Imran Khan defies election odds from jail |url=https://www.ft.com/content/4b38857e-ffcd-46fe-aa90-6c4b3551fda4 |access-date=11 February 2024 |work=www.ft.com |archive-date=11 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240211141058/https://www.ft.com/content/4b38857e-ffcd-46fe-aa90-6c4b3551fda4 |url-status=live }}

The New York Post, referencing the New York Times article, stated that this election marks the initial instance in Pakistan's history where a party has achieved such success without the support of the military and this will spark a new political chaos in the country.{{cite news |last=Reilly |first=Patrick |title=Pakistani party backed by jailed ex-prime minister wins most seats in parliament |url=https://nypost.com/2024/02/10/news/pakistani-party-backed-by-jailed-ex-prime-minister-wins-most-seats-in-parliament/ |access-date=11 February 2024 |date=11 February 2024 |archive-date=11 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240211014820/https://nypost.com/2024/02/10/news/pakistani-party-backed-by-jailed-ex-prime-minister-wins-most-seats-in-parliament/ |url-status=live }} According to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation the election results did not unfold as per the military's expectations and had shaken the elite. Hasan Askari Rizvi was quoted as saying, "This is a negative vote for the policies that the military was pursuing.".{{cite news |title=Imran Khan's party defied the odds in Pakistan election with strong showing |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/imran-khan-election-pakistan-1.7111601 |access-date=11 February 2024 |work=CBC News |date=11 February 2024 |archive-date=10 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210195347/https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/imran-khan-election-pakistan-1.7111601 |url-status=live }}

Sameer Arshad Khatlani in an opinion piece for the Dhaka Tribune wrote "Election results seem to be blowing up in the military establishment's face which attempted to make Imran Khan irrelevant by jailing him, cracking down PTI".{{cite news |title=Pakistan election results seem to be blowing up in the military establishment's face |url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/opinion/longform/339059/pakistan-election-results-seem-to-be-blowing-up-in |access-date=10 February 2024 |work=Dhaka Tribune |date=10 February 2024 |archive-date=10 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210033551/https://www.dhakatribune.com/opinion/longform/339059/pakistan-election-results-seem-to-be-blowing-up-in |url-status=live }} Lipika Pelham wrote for the BBC saying despite PTI-backed independents winning the majority of seats in parliament, they were unlikely to be permitted to form a government.{{cite news |title=Pakistan army urges unity as ex-PMs both declare election win |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-68260932 |access-date=10 February 2024 |date=10 February 2024 |archive-date=10 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210110203/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-68260932 |url-status=live }}

During an interview with The Wire, Najam Sethi remarked that Imran Khan and the PTI had strongly resisted the influence of the military, which led to the latter resorting to last-minute rigging efforts.{{cite news |title=Have the Pakistan Elections Made the Country's Crisis Worse? |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEOHeJZzp2A |access-date=11 February 2024 |work=The Wire |date=11 February 2024 |archive-date=12 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212143558/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEOHeJZzp2A |url-status=live }} Firstpost wrote that the Pakistani military had experienced a setback, at least temporarily, with public sentiment turning against it. It also noted that allegations of electoral fraud by the military put Western countries in a difficult position, given their historic support of the military to ensure the security of the country's nuclear arsenal.{{cite news |title=Vantage: Why Pak poll results are about vote against army and power of tech |url=https://www.firstpost.com/opinion/vantage-why-pak-poll-results-are-about-vote-against-army-and-power-of-tech-13712262.html |access-date=11 February 2024 |work=Firstpost |date=10 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=11 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240211024216/https://www.firstpost.com/opinion/vantage-why-pak-poll-results-are-about-vote-against-army-and-power-of-tech-13712262.html |url-status=live }} It added that "General Asim Munir's tenure may be remembered as one of the darkest for the army, with its reputation suffering greatly under his leadership." It also raised concern over Munir's post-election speech, describing it as uncommon.{{cite news |title=Pakistan polls: How another weak coalition in Islamabad will open a floodgate of issues for India |url=https://www.firstpost.com/opinion/pakistan-polls-how-another-weak-coalition-in-islamabad-will-open-a-floodgate-of-issues-for-india-13713562.html |access-date=11 February 2024 |work=Firstpost |date=11 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=11 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240211071220/https://www.firstpost.com/opinion/pakistan-polls-how-another-weak-coalition-in-islamabad-will-open-a-floodgate-of-issues-for-india-13713562.html |url-status=live }} The Times of India also described Munir as the primary loser of the election.{{cite news |title=Never won a war, never lost an election: Did Imran Khan spoil Pakistan military's record? |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/never-won-a-war-never-lost-an-election-did-imran-khan-spoil-pakistan-militarys-record/articleshow/107600209.cms |access-date=11 February 2024 |work=The Times of India |date=11 February 2024 |archive-date=11 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240211113434/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/never-won-a-war-never-lost-an-election-did-imran-khan-spoil-pakistan-militarys-record/articleshow/107600209.cms |url-status=live }} The Indian Express wrote that the unexpected success of the PTI forced the military to manipulate results to avoid an unfavourable outcome. Consequently, there were delays in announcing results, and internet and mobile services were suspended in numerous regions. Meanwhile, Pakistani social media platforms were flooded with videos depicting alleged rigging and manipulation.{{cite news |title=Confusion in Pakistan: What happens now? |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-global/pakistan-elections-results-pti-imran-khan-nawaz-sharif-9154605/ |access-date=11 February 2024 |work=The Indian Express |date=10 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=11 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240211014945/https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-global/pakistan-elections-results-pti-imran-khan-nawaz-sharif-9154605/ |url-status=live }} The Deccan Herald wrote that although the election results represented a significant setback for the military, and would potentially undermine General Munir's position, but it was unlikely that the military will relinquish its influential role in determining the next prime minister.{{cite news |last1=Banerji |first1=Rana |title=Election surprise in Pakistan and what it means for India |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/world/election-surprise-in-pakistan-and-what-it-means-for-india-2889773 |access-date=11 February 2024 |work=Deccan Herald |date=11 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=11 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240211040601/https://www.deccanherald.com/world/election-surprise-in-pakistan-and-what-it-means-for-india-2889773 |url-status=live }}

According to Al Jazeera, numerous analysts suggest that Sharif's return to electoral politics was made possible due to the military's decision to support him in the election. However, despite this tacit support from the military, Sharif failed to win.{{cite news |last1=Hussain |first1=Abid |title=Why Nawaz Sharif failed to win Pakistan election despite tacit army support |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/12/army-backed-nawaz-sharif-fails-to-win-pakistan-election-what-went-wrong?traffic_source=rss |access-date=12 February 2024 |work=Al Jazeera |language=en |archive-date=12 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212143437/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/12/army-backed-nawaz-sharif-fails-to-win-pakistan-election-what-went-wrong?traffic_source=rss |url-status=live }}

Foreign Policy wrote that one clear thing is the old methods used to silence people's voices are no longer effective. A new generation of young voters has emerged in Pakistan who are calling for a departure from the past and seeking the ability to elect their leaders, rather than allowing the military, which has historically dominated politics to maintain control over the country. In a separate piece, it wrote that one key factor in the PTI's success in the election was their refusal to let the military control the election's outcome, despite their efforts to ensure the PTI's defeat, and that the PTI's challenge to break the military's grip on politics, has sparked some hope for the future of Pakistan's democracy and wrote that accusations of military's vote manipulation will further fuel anti-establishment feelings in the country.{{cite news |last1=Kugelman |first1=Michael |title=How Imran Khan's Party Stunned Pakistan |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/02/14/pakistan-elections-pti-imran-khan-upset-military/ |access-date=15 February 2024 |work=Foreign Policy |date=14 February 2024 |archive-date=15 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215012308/https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/02/14/pakistan-elections-pti-imran-khan-upset-military/#cookie_message_anchor |url-status=live }}

The ECP ordered elections to be held again on 15 February in twenty-six polling stations of the NA-88 Khushab-II constituency in Punjab after a mob destroyed election materials at the office of the returning officer. Due to security issues re-polling was ordered in six polling stations of NA-43 Tank-cum-Dera Ismail Khan constituency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to be held on 17 February. Elections were also ordered repeated in the provincial assembly constituencies in PS-18 Ghotki-I in Sindh and PK-90 Kohat-I in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after election materials were either stolen or destroyed.{{Cite web |date=2024-02-11 |title=Pakistan orders election rerun at dozens of polling stations amid rigging claims, international concerns |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/2457691/amp |access-date=2024-02-10 |website=Arab News |language=en }}{{Cite web |date=2024-02-14 |title=ECP orders re-polling in six polling stations of NA-43 |url=https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/791408-ECP-orders-re-polling-in-six-polling-stations-for-NA-43 |access-date=2024-02-14 |website=Samaa TV |language=en |archive-date=14 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214005019/https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/791408-ECP-orders-re-polling-in-six-polling-stations-for-NA-43 |url-status=live }}

In October 2023, the ECP issued invitations to foreign election observers, emphasizing transparency in the election process.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nation.com.pk/25-Oct-2023/ecp-issues-invitation-for-foreign-election-observers|title=ECP issues invitation for foreign election observers|date=25 October 2023|website=The Nation|access-date=11 February 2024|archive-date=29 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029201022/https://www.nation.com.pk/25-Oct-2023/ecp-issues-invitation-for-foreign-election-observers|url-status=live}} Before the elections, Pakistan received visa applications from 81 foreign journalists and 38 international observers. Visa applications were processed, and accreditation was made mandatory for foreign observers upon arrival in Pakistan.{{Cite web|url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/2446536/amp|title=81 foreign journalists, 38 observers seeking visas for Pakistan elections — minister|website=Arab News}} Eligible applicants were in the process of being approved with visas.{{Cite web|url=https://www.brecorder.com/news/40285392|title=General elections: 49 foreign journalists issued visas so far: govt|date=24 January 2024|website=Brecorder|access-date=11 February 2024|archive-date=5 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240205030958/https://www.brecorder.com/news/40285392|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1150846-49-foreign-journalists-issued-visas-for-coverage-of-elections-solangi|title=49 foreign journalists issued visas for coverage of elections: Solangi|date=24 January 2024|website=The News International|access-date=11 February 2024|archive-date=5 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240205021441/https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1150846-49-foreign-journalists-issued-visas-for-coverage-of-elections-solangi|url-status=live}} The Pakistan High Commission in London issued visas to 37 British journalists, including prominent figures such as Christina Lamb of The Times, allowing them to cover the election proceedings in Pakistan.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2024/02/02/37-british-journalists-issued-visas-to-cover-pakistan-elections/|title=37 British journalists issued visas to cover Pakistan elections|date=2 February 2024 |publisher=Pakistan Today}}

A team from the Commonwealth, led by former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, was sent to Pakistan to monitor the elections.{{Cite web|url=https://www.brecorder.com/news/40286088|title=Commonwealth observers to monitor Feb 8 elections|date=28 January 2024|website=Business Recorder|access-date=16 February 2024|archive-date=17 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240217193446/https://www.brecorder.com/news/40286088|url-status=live}} The Commonwealth Observer Group (COG), commended the ECP for its role in maintaining peace and smooth conduct during the elections.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nation.com.pk/11-Feb-2024/commonwealth-observers-express-satisfaction-over-peaceful-polls|title=Commonwealth Observers express satisfaction over peaceful polls|date=11 February 2024|website=The Nation|access-date=16 February 2024|archive-date=12 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212183901/https://www.nation.com.pk/11-Feb-2024/commonwealth-observers-express-satisfaction-over-peaceful-polls|url-status=live}} Despite the recent suspension of mobile and internet services, the observers confirmed that the voting process in Pakistan remained uninterrupted.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1155714-commonwealth-observers-say-internet-suspension-not-to-cause-trouble-in-pakistan-voting-process|title=Commonwealth observers say 'internet suspension not to cause trouble in Pakistan voting process'|date=8 February 2024|website=The News International|access-date=16 February 2024|archive-date=10 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210073139/https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1155714-commonwealth-observers-say-internet-suspension-not-to-cause-trouble-in-pakistan-voting-process|url-status=live}} Jonathan emphasized the importance of casting votes over internet services. The COG released its initial findings, acknowledging the efforts of the ECP and other institutions in organizing the general elections.{{Cite web|url=https://www.app.com.pk/national/commonwealth-observer-group-unveils-preliminary-findings-on-pakistan-polls/|title=Commonwealth observer group unveils preliminary findings on Pakistan polls|date=10 February 2024|access-date=16 February 2024|archive-date=10 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210150754/https://www.app.com.pk/national/commonwealth-observer-group-unveils-preliminary-findings-on-pakistan-polls/|url-status=live}}

The European Union (EU) did not send a full election observation mission as it had done in previous years. The European Union informed the Pakistani Government that it would not be able to deploy a full mission due to lack of time. Instead, a small team of experts visited Pakistan during the elections. Ambassador of the European Union in Pakistan Ms. Reena Kivinka said that various government officials have been informed about this decision. Despite the absence of a full EU observer group, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) maintained an open-door policy and welcomed an observation mission for the upcoming general elections. The small EU expert mission was still able to provide valuable insight into the electoral process.{{cite web | url=https://www.nation.com.pk/07-Jul-2023/eu-observers-unlikely-to-visit-pakistan-for-polls | title=EU observers unlikely to visit Pakistan for polls | date=7 July 2023 }}{{cite web | url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1134961-elections-in-pakistan-eu-not-sending-full-election-observation-mission | title=Elections in Pakistan: EU not sending full election observation mission | date=4 December 2023 }}

Protests were held by the PTI and other parties in cities across Pakistan to protest alleged electoral fraud. Dozens were arrested following protests in Lahore while highways were blocked in Balochistan.{{cite web | url=https://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20240212-thousands-of-khan-supporters-block-pakistani-highways-to-protest-election-results | title=Thousands of Khan supporters block highways to protest Pakistan's election results | date=12 February 2024 | work=France 24 | access-date=12 February 2024 | archive-date=12 February 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212143406/https://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20240212-thousands-of-khan-supporters-block-pakistani-highways-to-protest-election-results | url-status=live }} On 14 February, the JUI-F's leader Fazal-ur-Rehman said that he rejected the election results and announced that his party would stage protests against the ECP.{{cite news |title=JUI-F rejects general elections' results |url=https://www.nation.com.pk/14-Feb-2024/jui-f-rejects-general-elections-results |access-date=14 February 2024 |work=The Nation |date=14 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=14 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214151638/https://www.nation.com.pk/14-Feb-2024/jui-f-rejects-general-elections-results |url-status=live }} Awami National Party provincial president for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Aimal Wali Khan in a press conference rejected the results of the elections, claiming they were already decided before voting began. He admitted their past cooperation with the establishment was a mistake and vowed not to work with them anymore. He also accused the military of using the country's resources for their benefit.{{cite news |last1=Bacha |first1=Ali Hazrat |title=ANP rejects poll defeat, demands probe |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1813497/anp-rejects-poll-defeat-demands-probe |access-date=12 February 2024 |work=dawn.com |date=12 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=12 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212143037/https://www.dawn.com/news/1813497/anp-rejects-poll-defeat-demands-probe |url-status=live }}

On 12 February, Jahangir Tareen and Pervez Khattak announced their decision to retire from politics entirely, while Siraj-ul-Haq resigned from his position as the emir of Jamaat-i-Islami.{{cite news |title=Tareen, Khattak quit politics, Siraj steps down as JI chief |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2456219/tareen-khattak-quit-politics-siraj-steps-down-as-ji-chief |access-date=12 February 2024 |work=The Express Tribune |date=12 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=12 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212143127/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2456219/tareen-khattak-quit-politics-siraj-steps-down-as-ji-chief |url-status=live }} Later, Khattak stepped down as the leader of the PTI-Parliamentarians{{cite news |title=Pervez Khattak tenders resignation as PTI-P chairman |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/531483-pervez-khattak-tenders-resignation-as-pti-p-chairman |access-date=17 February 2024 |work=www.geo.tv |date=17 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=17 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240217194602/https://www.geo.tv/latest/531483-pervez-khattak-tenders-resignation-as-pti-p-chairman |url-status=live }} while Jamaat-e-Islami unanimously refused to accept Haq's resignation as its leader.{{cite news |title=Sirajul Haq to remain JI's head as party rejects his resignation |url=https://www.nation.com.pk/17-Feb-2024/sirajul-haq-to-remain-ji-s-head-as-party-rejects-his-resignation |access-date=20 February 2024 |work=The Nation |date=17 February 2024 |archive-date=20 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240220090345/https://www.nation.com.pk/17-Feb-2024/sirajul-haq-to-remain-ji-s-head-as-party-rejects-his-resignation |url-status=live }}

On 16 February, the PTI held a press conference where they labelled the election as the "largest voter fraud" in Pakistan's history, targeting the party and its candidates. They asserted that 85 seats had been unfairly taken away from them.{{cite news |title=PTI says 85 seats taken away from party 'fraudulently' |url=https://www.dawn.com/live/elections-2024#1814692 |access-date=16 February 2024 |work=dawn.com |date=16 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=9 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240209032916/https://www.dawn.com/live/elections-2024/#1814692 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=February 8 general election sets new records of rigging: PTI |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/531389-february-8-general-elections-set-new-records-of-rigging-pti |access-date=16 February 2024 |work=www.geo.tv |language=en |archive-date=16 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216145603/https://www.geo.tv/latest/531389-february-8-general-elections-set-new-records-of-rigging-pti |url-status=live }}

The party announced plans for nationwide protests on 17 February to denounce widespread electoral rigging.{{cite news |title=Ex-PM Khan party calls for nationwide protests on Saturday against 'rigging' of Pakistan polls |url=https://www.arabnews.pk/node/2460996/pakistan |access-date=16 February 2024 |work=Arab News PK |date=16 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=16 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216145606/https://www.arabnews.pk/node/2460996/pakistan |url-status=live }} On the same day, PTI-affiliated candidate Salman Akram Raja was arrested in Lahore while participating in a protest.{{cite news |title='Fascist and shameful': Political analysts, lawyers condemn PTI candidate Salman Akram Raja's arrest in Lahore |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1814960/fascist-and-shameful-political-analysts-lawyers-condemn-pti-candidate-salman-akram-rajas-arrest-in-lahore |access-date=17 February 2024 |work=dawn.com |date=17 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=17 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240217195723/https://www.dawn.com/news/1814960/fascist-and-shameful-political-analysts-lawyers-condemn-pti-candidate-salman-akram-rajas-arrest-in-lahore |url-status=live }}

During the first Senate session after the election, there were widespread calls by members for an inquiry into the election process, with senators from the JI and the PTI urging legal action against the chief election commissioner.{{cite news |title=Senate echoes with cries of action against CEC |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2457041/senate-echoes-with-cries-of-action-against-cec |access-date=20 February 2024 |work=The Express Tribune |date=20 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=20 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240220124006/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2457041/senate-echoes-with-cries-of-action-against-cec |url-status=live }}

On 10 February, in an AI-generated victory speech from prison, Imran Khan claimed that based on completed forms provided by polling agents, his party had won a two-thirds majority.{{Cite web |date=2024-02-09 |title=Imran declares election victory in AI-generated message |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2455957/imran-declares-election-victory-in-ai-generated-message |access-date=2024-02-09 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en |archive-date=9 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240209194728/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2455957/imran-declares-election-victory-in-ai-generated-message |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=https://www.dawn.com/live/elections-2024#1812840 |title=Imran claims PTI-backed candidates have clinched two-third majority |access-date=9 February 2024 |archive-date=9 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240209032916/https://www.dawn.com/live/elections-2024/#1812840 |url-status=live }} On 13 February, the PTI announced that it would try and form a government through its affiliated independent candidates in the national level and in Punjab with the Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) party. It also said that it would seek to form a coalition with the Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan (JI) party to lead a government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Khan had previously said that he would not engage with the PML-N's Nawaz Sharif and the PPP's Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, calling them "corrupt".{{Cite web |date=2024-02-14 |title=Pakistan election: PTI joins religious parties, PPP backs rival PMLN |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/13/pakistan-election-pti-joins-religious-parties-ppp-backs-rival-pmln |access-date=2024-02-14 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en |archive-date=14 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214021007/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/13/pakistan-election-pti-joins-religious-parties-ppp-backs-rival-pmln |url-status=live }} On 14 February, the JI rejected the proposed coalition with the PTI in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, citing a change in the latter's stance over the formation of the provincial government, as the PTI only offered a coalition at the provincial level, not nationally.{{Cite web |date=2024-02-14 |title=JI turns down PTI's offer to form coalition govt in KP |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1814187/ji-turns-down-ptis-offer-to-form-coalition-govt-in-kp |access-date=2024-02-14 |website=Dawn |language=en |archive-date=14 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214150307/https://www.dawn.com/news/1814187/ji-turns-down-ptis-offer-to-form-coalition-govt-in-kp |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=JI gives thumbs down to PTI's offer |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2456454/ji-gives-thumbs-down-to-ptis-offer |access-date=16 February 2024 |work=The Express Tribune |date=14 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=15 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215043610/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2456454/ji-gives-thumbs-down-to-ptis-offer |url-status=live }}

Nawaz Sharif, whose party won a plurality of seats in parliament, said that he would seek to build a governing coalition with the PPP.{{Cite web |date=2024-02-10 |title=PTI-linked independents take Pakistan election lead as counting nears end |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/9/pti-linked-independents-take-pakistan-election-lead-as-counting-nears-end |access-date=2024-02-10 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en |archive-date=10 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210023812/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/9/pti-linked-independents-take-pakistan-election-lead-as-counting-nears-end |url-status=live }} Since the election, at least six winning independent candidates to the National Assembly have announced that they would be joining the PML-N, including PTI-affiliated candidate Waseem Qadir, who was previously a PML-N member until 2018.{{Cite web |date=2024-02-12 |title=Half dozen independents join PML-N |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1813438/half-dozen-independents-join-pml-n |access-date=2024-02-12 |website=Dawn |language=en |archive-date=12 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212142932/https://www.dawn.com/news/1813438/half-dozen-independents-join-pml-n |url-status=live }} He alleged he was abducted and therefore he re-joined PML-N, but skeptics suggested he was bribed.

After the election results, both Nawaz Sharif and Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, who were contenders for the prime minister's position, withdrew from the race.{{cite news |title=PPP sticks to the party line on cabinet posts |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2456626/ppp-sticks-to-party-line-on-cabinet-posts |access-date=16 February 2024 |work=The Express Tribune |date=16 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=16 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216050248/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2456626/ppp-sticks-to-party-line-on-cabinet-posts |url-status=live }} On 13 February, at a press conference at the residence of the Pakistan Muslim League (Q)'s Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain in Islamabad, the PML-N's Shehbaz Sharif, the PPP's Asif Ali Zardari, Muttahida Qaumi Movement – Pakistan's Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Balochistan Awami Party's Sadiq Sanjrani and Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party's Aleem Khan announced that their parties had agreed to form a coalition government.{{Cite web |date=2024-02-14 |title=Shehbaz prevails in race for PM House |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1814088/shehbaz-prevails-in-race-for-pm-house |access-date=2024-02-14 |website=Dawn |language=en |archive-date=14 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214123331/https://www.dawn.com/news/1814088/shehbaz-prevails-in-race-for-pm-house |url-status=live }} PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb said that Shehbaz was the prime ministerial nominee following his elder brother Nawaz's recommendation.{{Cite web |date=2024-02-14 |title=Pakistan's former premier Sharif and allies agree to form a coalition |url=https://apnews.com/article/pakistan-main-party-challenge-imran-khan-75f23a7abec21d385c129c7133a78665 |access-date=2024-02-14 |website=Associated Press |language=en |archive-date=14 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214123259/https://apnews.com/article/pakistan-main-party-challenge-imran-khan-75f23a7abec21d385c129c7133a78665 |url-status=live }} PPP leader Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that he would endorse a PML-N nominee for prime minister and that the PPP would not join the next cabinet. He also expressed a desire to see his father Asif Ali Zardari return as president, and said that his party would field nominees for the chairmanship of the Pakistani Senate and the speakership of the National Assembly. A senior PPP leader was quoted as saying that the party preferred to have a minimal role in the coalition government saying that "We don't want to take that heavy responsibility." Analysts suggest that this arrangement seemed to enjoy the backing of the military.{{cite news |title=Pakistan's old guard confronts shock upset to Imran Khan in Punjab heartland |url=https://www.ft.com/content/74e278ac-8a4c-4c10-a899-7a16d38f38de |access-date=16 February 2024 |work=Financial Times |date=16 February 2024 |archive-date=16 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216145559/https://www.ft.com/content/74e278ac-8a4c-4c10-a899-7a16d38f38de |url-status=live }} JUI-F chief Fazal-ur-Rehman, a long-time ally of the PML-N, declined to support the PML-N and instead suggested that the PML-N should sit on the opposition benches. The coalition agreement between the PML-N and the PPP was finalized on 20 February, with Shahbaz Sharif as prime minister and Asif Ali Zardari as president.{{cite news |title=PDM leaders renew coalition in a bid to form government |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1813890/pdm-leaders-renew-coalition-in-a-bid-to-form-government |access-date=28 February 2024 |work=dawn.com |date=13 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=28 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240228030939/https://www.dawn.com/news/1813890/pdm-leaders-renew-coalition-in-a-bid-to-form-government |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Pakistan government deal agreed despite opposition from Imran Khan's PTI |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/20/pakistan-government-deal-agreed-despite-opposition-from-imran-khans-pti |access-date=21 February 2024 |work=Al Jazeera |date=20 February 2024 |archive-date=21 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240221000425/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/20/pakistan-government-deal-agreed-despite-opposition-from-imran-khans-pti |url-status=live }} Media termed this coalition as "PDM 2.0" in reference to the previous coalition led by PML-N and PPP following Imran Khan's removal as prime minister.{{cite news |last1=Raza |first1=Syed Irfan |title=Consensus at midnight paves way for 'PDM 2.0' |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1815907 |access-date=28 February 2024 |work=dawn.com |date=21 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=28 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240228030351/https://www.dawn.com/news/1815907 |url-status=live }} Khurshid Shah revealed that the PPP initially approached the PTI instead of the PML-N to explore possibilities in forming a government but was turned down by the PTI.{{cite news |title=Approached PTI before PML-N for govt formation: Khurshid |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2457567/1 |access-date=25 February 2024 |work=The Express Tribune |date=25 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=4 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240304110039/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2457567/1 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=PDM 2.0 set in |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2457074/pdm-20-set-in |access-date=28 February 2024 |work=The Express Tribune |date=21 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=26 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226071804/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2457074/pdm-20-set-in |url-status=live }}

Only three weeks before the election, Bhutto Zardari had criticized the PML-N saying their "policies had hurt the country's economy," and remarked "Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me", when asked about the possibility of entering into a coalition with the PML-N.{{cite news |last1=Hussain |first1=Abid |title=Bhutto about-turn: Behind the PPP plan to back Pakistan's new government |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/16/bhutto-about-turn-behind-the-ppp-plan-to-back-pakistans-new-government |access-date=16 February 2024 |work=Al Jazeera |language=en |archive-date=16 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216145558/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/16/bhutto-about-turn-behind-the-ppp-plan-to-back-pakistans-new-government |url-status=live }} In response, Imran Khan called the upcoming coalition a "daylight robbery" and warned "against the misadventure of forming a government with stolen votes."{{Cite web |date=2024-02-14 |title=Pakistan election: Imran Khan's rivals PML-N and PPP reach a deal to form government |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-68287508 |access-date=2024-02-14 |website=BBC |language=en |archive-date=14 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214001012/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-68287508 |url-status=live }} Akhtar Mengal, the president of the Balochistan National Party (Mengal), said that the PML-N and PPP-led coalition would collapse within one and a half years due to the parties "blackmailing" each other, citing previous coalition governments.{{Cite web |date=2024-02-16 |title=New coalition won't even last two years: Mengal |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1814553 |access-date=2024-02-16 |website=Dawn |language=en |archive-date=16 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216145605/https://www.dawn.com/news/1814553 |url-status=live }} Observers noted that the increased support for the PTI had changed the power dynamics, making a Sharif-led government seem weak even before it began. A PML-N leader, speaking anonymously, acknowledged that the party might not complete its full five-year term if it forms a government and stated that the party's entire election campaign centred around Nawaz Sharif becoming the prime minister, which resulted in feelings of betrayal and disappointment among supporters when Nawaz chose to nominate Shehbaz for the position instead.{{cite news |title=PML-N awakening to its empty victory |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2456624/pml-n-awakening-to-its-empty-victory |access-date=16 February 2024 |work=The Express Tribune |date=16 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=16 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216044638/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2456624/pml-n-awakening-to-its-empty-victory |url-status=live }} JUI-F chief Fazal-ur-Rehman also reiterated his belief that the incoming coalition government is unlikely to complete its full five-year tenure.{{cite news |title=Fazl to skip elections for PM, president and speakers |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2457984/jui-f-to-sit-on-opposition-benches-announces-fazl |access-date=29 February 2024 |work=The Express Tribune |date=29 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=29 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229134100/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2457984/jui-f-to-sit-on-opposition-benches-announces-fazl |url-status=live }} He further cautioned about the risk of a "system collapse" in the country due to excessive interference from the establishment and added that the establishment aimed to ensure that people aligned with their preferences were elected to the assemblies.{{cite news |title=Fazl foresees collapse of 'system' |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2457781/jui-f-wont-become-part-of-any-govt-says-fazl |access-date=29 February 2024 |work=The Express Tribune |date=27 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=29 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229112209/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2457781/jui-f-wont-become-part-of-any-govt-says-fazl |url-status=live }}

On 27 February, a leaked video surfaced showing MQM-P leader Syed Mustafa Kamal, where he was shown saying during an MQM-P party meeting that PML-N leaders informed him about the PPP's claim that the "MQM-P's mandate is 100% fake". Kamal later confirmed the authenticity of this video.{{cite news |title=Kamal's leaked audio goes viral on social media |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2457827/kamals-leaked-audio-goes-viral-on-social-media |access-date=28 February 2024 |work=The Express Tribune |date=28 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=29 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229020657/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2457827/kamals-leaked-audio-goes-viral-on-social-media |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Mustafa Kamal 'owns' audio leak, says nothing new about 'fake mandate' |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/532857-mustafa-kamal-owns-audio-leak-says-nothing-new-about-fake-mandate |access-date=28 February 2024 |work=www.geo.tv |language=en |archive-date=27 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240227183804/https://www.geo.tv/latest/532857-mustafa-kamal-owns-audio-leak-says-nothing-new-about-fake-mandate |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Kamal claims to have found MQM-London 'insider' after his audio leak |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1162218-kamal-claims-to-have-found-mqm-london-insider-after-his-audio-leak |access-date=28 February 2024 |work=www.thenews.com.pk |language=en |archive-date=27 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240227230542/https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1162218-kamal-claims-to-have-found-mqm-london-insider-after-his-audio-leak |url-status=live }} Later on the same day, Sindh Governor and MQM-P leader Kamran Tessori also acknowledged in another leaked audio recording that the MQM-P "did not get votes in this election," and emphasized the difference from the 2018 general election when MQM-P obtained seven seats, which was their actual vote bank.{{cite news |title=After Kamal, Tessori admits MQM-P's poll 'setback' |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2457899/1 |access-date=28 February 2024 |work=The Express Tribune |date=28 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=4 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240304110043/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2457899/1 |url-status=live }}

On 16 February, senior PTI official Asad Qaiser said that Imran Khan had nominated Omar Ayub Khan, a grandson of former military ruler Muhammad Ayub Khan, as the PTI's nominee for prime minister, despite him being in hiding over charges relating to the May 9 riots.{{Cite web |date=2024-02-16 |title=Pakistan: Imran Khan picks Omar Ayub as PM nominee |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-68313625 |access-date=2024-02-16 |website=BBC |language=en |archive-date=16 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216093137/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-68313625 |url-status=live }} The PTI also nominated Mian Aslam Iqbal and Ali Amin Gandapur as its respective nominees for chief minister in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.{{cite news |title=All that we know about PTI's picks for prime minister, provincial chief executives |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1814450/all-that-we-know-about-ptis-picks-for-prime-minister-provincial-chief-executives |access-date=17 February 2024 |work=Dawn |date=17 February 2024 |archive-date=16 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216145819/https://www.dawn.com/news/1814450/all-that-we-know-about-ptis-picks-for-prime-minister-provincial-chief-executives |url-status=live }} Later that day however, PTI official Muhammad Ali Saif stated that the party had chosen to be in the opposition both at the federal level and in Punjab, following the directives of Imran Khan.{{cite news |title=PTI to sit in opposition in Centre, Punjab on Imran's directives: Saif |url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2024/02/16/pti-to-sit-in-opposition-in-centre-punjab-on-imrans-directives-saif/ |access-date=16 February 2024 |work=Pakistan Today |date=16 February 2024}}

On 19 February, the PTI announced that it would form an alliance with the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) solely to secure its portion of reserved seats in the National, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assemblies.{{cite news |last1=Junaidi |first1=Ikram |title=PTI 'merges' with seatless party for three assemblies |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1815639 |access-date=20 February 2024 |work=dawn.com |date=20 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=20 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240220043916/https://www.dawn.com/news/1815639 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Junaidi |first1=Ikram |title=PTI strikes alliance with Sunni Ittehad Council, vows to form govt |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1815352 |access-date=26 February 2024 |work=dawn.com |date=19 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=26 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226002517/https://www.dawn.com/news/1815352 |url-status=live }} Following the announcement, nearly all PTI-backed independent candidates in national and provincial assemblies submitted affidavits to the ECP, officially joining the SIC{{cite news |last1=Junaidi |first1=Ikram |title=PTI-backed independents join Sunni Ittehad Council |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1816169/pti-backed-independents-join-sunni-ittehad-council |access-date=26 February 2024 |work=dawn.com |date=22 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=26 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226002518/https://www.dawn.com/news/1816169/pti-backed-independents-join-sunni-ittehad-council |url-status=live }} and approached the ECP to claim their reserved seats. However, the PPP, the PML-N, and the MQM-P challenged the allocation of reserved seats to the PTI/SIC bloc, arguing that the latter did not qualify as a "parliamentary party". PTI chair Gohar Ali also emphasized that an NA session could not be called without first notifying the reserved seats for the PTI-backed SIC bloc.{{cite news |last1=Khan |first1=Iftikhar A. |title=No decision on SIC seats as NA meets tomorrow |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1817685 |access-date=28 February 2024 |work=dawn.com |date=28 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=28 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240228033605/https://www.dawn.com/news/1817685 |url-status=live }} The ECP withheld the allocation of 78 out of the total 226 reserved seats for women and minorities in the national and four provincial assemblies. By 26 February, these 78 reserved seats were pending allocation to the PTI/SIC, awaiting the ECP's decision.{{cite news |last1=Khan |first1=Iftikhar A. |title=Past precedent 'might hand' SIC reserved seats in assemblies |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1817134 |access-date=29 February 2024 |work=dawn.com |date=26 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=28 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240228063621/https://www.dawn.com/news/1817134 |url-status=live }}

President Arif Alvi declined to convene the National Assembly's inaugural session, which is typically summoned within 21 days of the general elections as per the constitution. He was also of the view that Assembly was not complete and therefore the ECP should distribute the reserved seats for women and minorities to the PTI-backed SIC bloc. As a result, he faced significant criticism from the PPP and the PML-N{{cite news |title=Spat in Senate over Alvi's refusal to call NA session |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1817435/spat-in-senate-over-alvis-refusal-to-call-na-session |access-date=27 February 2024 |work=Dawn |date=27 February 2024 |archive-date=27 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240227065349/https://www.dawn.com/news/1817435/spat-in-senate-over-alvis-refusal-to-call-na-session |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Alvi gets flak for sitting on NA session summary |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1817135/alvi-gets-flak-for-sitting-on-na-session-summary |access-date=27 February 2024 |work=Dawn |date=27 February 2024 |archive-date=26 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226215140/https://www.dawn.com/news/1817135/alvi-gets-flak-for-sitting-on-na-session-summary |url-status=live }} who asserted that the President's action amounts to "abrogating the Constitution" by not convening the session, and warned of potential legal consequences.{{cite news |last1=Raza |first1=Syed Irfan |title=President 'may face charges' over refusal to summon NA |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1817678/president-may-face-charges-over-refusal-to-summon-na |access-date=28 February 2024 |work=dawn.com |date=28 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=28 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240228033535/https://www.dawn.com/news/1817678/president-may-face-charges-over-refusal-to-summon-na |url-status=live }} Imran Khan also endorsed Alvi's decision to decline the summoning of the session and said that they were drafting a letter to the International Monetary Fund (IMF),{{cite news |title=PTI announces countrywide street protests against 'rigging' |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1817679/pti-announces-countrywide-street-protests-against-rigging |access-date=28 February 2024 |work=dawn.com |date=28 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=28 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240228033601/https://www.dawn.com/news/1817679/pti-announces-countrywide-street-protests-against-rigging |url-status=live }} urging for the condition that any of its discussions with the incoming PML-N/PPP coalition government should be contingent upon an independent audit of the general election.{{cite news |title=Pakistani ex-Prime Minister Khan wants the IMF to link talks to an independent audit of the election |url=https://apnews.com/article/pakistan-imran-khan-letter-imf-vote-rigging-a4fecfa7ad173aab0bcf6c915b6fe52d |access-date=28 February 2024 |work=AP News |date=23 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=28 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240228110058/https://apnews.com/article/pakistan-imran-khan-letter-imf-vote-rigging-a4fecfa7ad173aab0bcf6c915b6fe52d |url-status=live }} This action was heavily criticized by the PML-N and the PPP, who argued that sending such a letter would be tantamount to inviting foreign intervention in the country's domestic affairs.{{cite news |last1=Momand |first1=Abdullah |title=PTI calls on IMF to link grant of financial facility with 'good governance' |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1817830/pti-calls-on-imf-to-link-grant-of-financial-facility-with-good-governance |access-date=28 February 2024 |work=dawn.com |date=28 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=28 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240228163851/https://www.dawn.com/news/1817830/pti-calls-on-imf-to-link-grant-of-financial-facility-with-good-governance |url-status=live }} On 28 February, the National Assembly Secretariat scheduled the inaugural session for 29 February at 10 a.m., bypassing the need for notification from Alvi.{{cite news |title=National Assembly Secretariat summons inaugural session on Feb 29 as president 'rejects summary' |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/532686-speaker-convenes-new-national-assembly-session-on-feb-29-after-presidents-refusal |access-date=28 February 2024 |work=www.geo.tv |date=28 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=28 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240228171238/https://www.geo.tv/latest/532686-speaker-convenes-new-national-assembly-session-on-feb-29-after-presidents-refusal |url-status=live }} At the very last moment, Alvi relented and approved a summary for calling the inaugural session late at night, albeit with reservations about the tone of the summary from caretaker prime minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar.{{cite news |title=Alvi relents at eleventh hour, calls NA sitting himself |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1817900/alvi-relents-at-eleventh-hour-calls-na-sitting-himself |access-date=29 February 2024 |work=dawn.com |date=29 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=29 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229053755/https://www.dawn.com/news/1817900/alvi-relents-at-eleventh-hour-calls-na-sitting-himself |url-status=live }}

On 29 February, a total of 302 newly elected legislators took their oaths, marking the commencement of the 16th National Assembly. The maiden session, however, was disrupted by chaos and slogans in favour of Imran Khan. This was the first time where PTI MNAs were able (due to parliamentary privilege) to chant Imran Khan's name and display his photos on live TV since a ban was imposed on mentioning his name on television. The PTI's nominee for the premiership, Omar Ayub Khan, along with PTI chair Gohar Ali Khan, emphasized during their addresses to the session that the Assembly remained incomplete as MNAs nominated for reserved seats were unable to attend the session and take the oath.{{cite news |title=New elected members take oath in inaugural session of 16th NA |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2457975/new-elected-members-take-oath-as-ruckus-mars-inaugural-session-of-16th-na |access-date=29 February 2024 |work=The Express Tribune |date=29 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=29 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229210348/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2457975/new-elected-members-take-oath-as-ruckus-mars-inaugural-session-of-16th-na |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Newly elected representatives sworn in as ruckus mars maiden session of 16th National Assembly |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1818028/newly-elected-representatives-sworn-in-as-ruckus-mars-maiden-session-of-16th-national-assembly |access-date=29 February 2024 |work=dawn.com |date=29 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=29 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229092021/https://www.dawn.com/news/1818028/newly-elected-representatives-sworn-in-as-ruckus-mars-maiden-session-of-16th-national-assembly |url-status=live }} On 4 March, a five-member bench of the ECP, chaired by CEC Sikandar Sultan Raja, delivered a much-awaited 4-1 verdict to dismiss the plea from the PTI/SIC for reserved seats in the National Assembly. The ruling stated that the bloc is not eligible for reserved seats and asserted that leaving reserved seats vacant is not permissible, and thus these seats would be allocated to other political parties based on their proportional representation. However, the ECP Punjab member disagreed from the majority decision.{{cite news |title=ECP rejects SIC's plea for reserved seats in NA |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2458351/1 |access-date=4 March 2024 |work=The Express Tribune |date=4 March 2024 |language=en |archive-date=11 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240311090828/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2458351/1 |url-status=live }} PTI leaders criticised the verdict and vowed to contest the ECP's ruling in court{{cite news |title=In major blow, ECP rules against allocating reserved seats to PTI-backed SIC |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/533598-in-major-blow-ecp-rules-against-allocating-reserved-seats-to-pti-backed-sic-lawmakers |access-date=4 March 2024 |work=www.geo.tv |date=4 March 2024 |language=en |archive-date=11 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240311090847/https://www.geo.tv/latest/533598-in-major-blow-ecp-rules-against-allocating-reserved-seats-to-pti-backed-sic-lawmakers |url-status=live }} while several lawyers and activists also criticized the ECP for its decision.{{cite news |title='Bereft of law': Lawyers, activists lambast ECP for refusing to allocate SIC reserved seats |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1819122/bereft-of-law-lawyers-activists-lambast-ecp-for-refusing-to-allocate-sic-reserved-seats |access-date=4 March 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=4 March 2024 |language=en |archive-date=4 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240304170449/https://www.dawn.com/news/1819122/bereft-of-law-lawyers-activists-lambast-ecp-for-refusing-to-allocate-sic-reserved-seats |url-status=live }} Speaking to the media from jail, Imran Khan also criticized the denial of reserved seats to the PTI as unconstitutional, drawing parallels to the disenfranchisement of East Pakistan following the 1970 Pakistani general election which ultimately resulted in the country's disintegration.{{cite news |title=Election result buried 'May 9 narrative': Imran |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2458567/election-result-buried-may-9-narrative-imran |access-date=6 March 2024 |work=The Express Tribune |date=6 March 2024 |language=en |archive-date=6 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240306143136/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2458567/election-result-buried-may-9-narrative-imran |url-status=live }} On 8 March, several members of the provincial and national assemblies who were allocated reserved seats, which were denied tp the PTI/SIC, took their oaths in respective assemblies. This occurred despite PHC injunctions and notices to the ECP instructing lawmakers not to take their oaths.{{cite news |title=Reserved seats row echoes in two assemblies |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1820174/reserved-seats-row-echoes-in-two-assemblies |access-date=9 March 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=9 March 2024 |language=en |archive-date=9 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240309030429/https://www.dawn.com/news/1820174/reserved-seats-row-echoes-in-two-assemblies |url-status=live }} On 14 March, the Peshawar High Court dismissed the PTI/SIC petition challenging the ECP's decision to reject the party's allocation of reserved women and minority seats.{{cite news |last1=Hakeem |first1=Abdul |title=No reserved seats for Sunni Ittehad Council as Peshawar High Court rejects plea against ECP's decision |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1821427 |access-date=20 March 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=14 March 2024 |language=en}} After which some PTI party leaders made controversial statements attributing PTI's loss of reserved seats in the parliament to its decision to enter into an alliance with the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC).{{cite news |title=Internal strife damaging PTI's narrative on poll rigging |url=https://www.nation.com.pk/20-Mar-2024/internal-strife-damaging-pti-s-narrative-on-poll-rigging |access-date=20 March 2024 |work=The Nation |date=20 March 2024}}

After the allocation of reserved seats, excluding the PTI/SIC bloc, to other political parties, the PML-N emerged as the largest party in the National Assembly, gaining 16 seats to reach 123, while the PPP's count increased to 73 and the JUI-F's to 11. On 6 March, the ECP uploaded Forms 45, 46, 48, and 49 on its website about a month post the election, thereby violating the legal requirement for their release within 14 days after the polls.{{cite news |last1=Khan |first1=Iftikhar A. |title=PML-N gets lucky as reserved seats doled out |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1819514/pml-n-gets-lucky-as-reserved-seats-doled-out |access-date=6 March 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=6 March 2024 |language=en |archive-date=6 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240306033719/https://www.dawn.com/news/1819514/pml-n-gets-lucky-as-reserved-seats-doled-out |url-status=live }} In a press conference, the PTI leaders including Gohar Ali Khan described the Forms 45 released by the ECP on its website as "heavily tampered", resulting in the outcomes favoring PTI's opponent candidates. They also asserted possession of "original and signed Form-45s," alleging significant "fraud" in the compilation of election results.{{cite news |last1=Junaidi |first1=Ikram |title=PTI alleges '180-degree turns' in Form-45s |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1819758 |access-date=7 March 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=7 March 2024 |language=en |archive-date=7 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240307063436/https://www.dawn.com/news/1819758 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=ECP uploads Form 45 to its website |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2458531/ecp-uploads-form-45-to-its-website |access-date=6 March 2024 |work=The Express Tribune |date=6 March 2024 |language=en |archive-date=6 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240306053114/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2458531/ecp-uploads-form-45-to-its-website |url-status=live }} The PTI declared their intention to approach the Supreme Court regarding the purported alteration of Form-45s and called for a comprehensive and independent audit of the election outcomes.{{cite news |last1=Junaidi |first1=Ikram |title=PTI will go to SC against 'tampered' Form-45s |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1819979/pti-will-go-to-sc-against-tampered-form-45s |access-date=8 March 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=8 March 2024 |language=en |archive-date=8 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240308030615/https://www.dawn.com/news/1819979/pti-will-go-to-sc-against-tampered-form-45s |url-status=live }}

On 10 March, the PTI/SIC officially nominated Omar Ayub Khan as the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly.{{cite news |title=PTI-SIC names Omar Ayub as NA leader of opposition |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1820419/pti-sic-names-omar-ayub-as-na-leader-of-opposition |access-date=10 March 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=10 March 2024 |language=en |archive-date=10 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240310035052/https://www.dawn.com/news/1820419/pti-sic-names-omar-ayub-as-na-leader-of-opposition |url-status=live }}

On 2 March, Shehbaz Sharif of the PML-N and PTI-backed independent candidate Omar Ayub Khan submitted their nomination papers for the prime ministerial elections.{{cite news |title=Shehbaz Sharif, Omar Ayub file nomination papers for PM slot |url=https://www.brecorder.com/news/40291648/shehbaz-sharif-omar-ayub-file-nomination-papers-for-pm-slot |access-date=3 March 2024 |work=Brecorder |date=2 March 2024 |language=en |archive-date=3 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240303034615/https://www.brecorder.com/news/40291648/shehbaz-sharif-omar-ayub-file-nomination-papers-for-pm-slot |url-status=live }} The next day on 3 March, Shehbaz was re-elected as Prime Minister of Pakistan for the second time, securing 201 votes against the 92 votes received by Omar Ayub Khan. Due to the absence of a clear majority for any single party in the assembly, Shehbaz was elected with the joint support from PML-N's allies such as the PPP, MQM-P, PML-Q, BAP, PML-Z, IPP, NP among others.{{cite news |title=Shehbaz Sharif elected prime minister for 2nd time, vows to steer Pakistan 'back to shore' in victory speech |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1818835/shehbaz-sharif-elected-prime-minister-for-2nd-time-vows-to-steer-pakistan-back-to-shore-in-victory-speech |access-date=3 March 2024 |work=dawn.com |date=3 March 2024 |language=en |archive-date=3 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240303132102/https://www.dawn.com/news/1818835/shehbaz-sharif-elected-prime-minister-for-2nd-time-vows-to-steer-pakistan-back-to-shore-in-victory-speech |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Shehbaz Sharif returns as prime minister for second time |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1163935-shehbaz-sharif-vs-omar-ayub-khan-na-session-to-elect-pakistans-24th-premier-begins |access-date=3 March 2024 |work=www.thenews.com.pk |date=3 March 2024 |language=en |archive-date=3 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240303073827/https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1163935-shehbaz-sharif-vs-omar-ayub-khan-na-session-to-elect-pakistans-24th-premier-begins |url-status=live }} He would soon afterwards be officially sworn in.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/03/shehbaz-sharif-sworn-in-as-prime-minister-of-pakistan|title=Shehbaz Sharif sworn in as prime minister of Pakistan|first=Hannah|last=Ellis-Peterson|work=The Guardian|date=3 March 2024|access-date=3 March 2024|archive-date=3 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240303113635/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/03/shehbaz-sharif-sworn-in-as-prime-minister-of-pakistan|url-status=live}} During the session, PTI-backed SIC MNAs chanted slogans alleging that Shehbaz came to power through rigging{{cite news |last1=Hussain |first1=Abid |title=Shehbaz Sharif elected Pakistan PM for second term after controversial vote |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/3/3/shehbaz-sharif-set-to-become-pakistans-new-pm-after-controversial-election |access-date=3 March 2024 |work=Al Jazeera |language=en |archive-date=3 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240303080430/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/3/3/shehbaz-sharif-set-to-become-pakistans-new-pm-after-controversial-election |url-status=live }} with Omar Ayub terming the Shehbaz' PM election as 'illegal'. Omar Ayub Khan also condemned censorship in his speech after the state-run Pakistan Television Corporation was reported to have abruptly ceased live broadcasting as soon as he had started to speak, comparing it with live coverage of Shehbaz's statements.{{cite news |title=PTI's Omar Ayub terms PM's election 'illegal' |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2458252/ptis-omar-ayub-terms-pms-election-illegal |access-date=3 March 2024 |work=The Express Tribune |date=3 March 2024 |language=en |archive-date=3 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240303152628/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2458252/ptis-omar-ayub-terms-pms-election-illegal |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=PTV cuts Omar Ayub Khan's live speech in NA |url=https://arynews.tv/ptv-cuts-omar-ayub-khans-live-speech-in-na/ |access-date=3 March 2024 |work=ARY NEWS |date=3 March 2024 |archive-date=3 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240303151209/https://arynews.tv/ptv-cuts-omar-ayub-khans-live-speech-in-na/ |url-status=live }}

The cabinet of Shehbaz Sharif was formally sworn in by President Asif Ali Zardari on 11 March.{{cite news |title=The Cabinet of Pakistan's newly-elected Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is sworn in |url=https://apnews.com/article/pakistan-new-government-cabinet-sworn-44eef2840d8636361a2a05167cd83579 |access-date=11 March 2024 |work=Associated Press |date=11 March 2024}}

{{main|2024 Pakistani presidential election}}

The coalition agreement which was reached also called for Asif Ali Zardari to return as President of Pakistan. On 3 March, the police conducted a raid on Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PKMAP) leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai who was also a presidential candidate in the 2024 Pakistani presidential election contesting against PPP leader Asif Ali Zardari. The PKMAP claimed that the raid was a reaction following a speech delivered by Achakzai in the National Assembly{{cite news |last1=Shahid |first1=Saleem |title=PkMAP slams raid in Quetta targeting Mahmood Khan Achakzai |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1818920/pkmap-slams-raid-in-quetta-targeting-mahmood-khan-achakzai |access-date=4 March 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=4 March 2024 |language=en |archive-date=4 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240304105349/https://www.dawn.com/news/1818920/pkmap-slams-raid-in-quetta-targeting-mahmood-khan-achakzai |url-status=live }} where he criticized the "establishment" for their interference in the polls.{{cite news |title=PkMAP announces countrywide protest against 'raid' at Achakzai's house |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/533550-pkmap-announces-countrywide-protest-against-raid-at-achakzais-house |access-date=4 March 2024 |work=www.geo.tv |language=en |archive-date=4 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240304105404/https://www.geo.tv/latest/533550-pkmap-announces-countrywide-protest-against-raid-at-achakzais-house |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=PkMAP general secy says Achakzai punished for NA speech |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1164269-pkmap-general-secy-says-achakzai-punished-for-na-speech |access-date=4 March 2024 |work=www.thenews.com.pk |language=en |archive-date=4 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240304105437/https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1164269-pkmap-general-secy-says-achakzai-punished-for-na-speech |url-status=live }} On 8 March, Achakzai, in a letter to the ECP requested the postponement of the presidential elections, citing concerns that holding elections without reserved seats in the assemblies would be unconstitutional. However, the ECP dismissed Achakzai's request.{{cite news |title=ECP rejects Achakzai's call to delay presidential polls |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2458853/ecp-rejects-achakzais-call-to-delay-presidential-polls |access-date=10 March 2024 |work=The Express Tribune |date=9 March 2024 |language=en}}

On 9 March, Zardari secured his second term as President of Pakistan with the backing of the PML-N and rest of the ruling coalition in a vote held by the national and provincial assemblies. Zardari received 411 votes, while Achakzai received 181 votes.{{cite news |title='Artful dodger' Asif Ali Zardari wins second term as Pakistan's president |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/3/9/asif-ali-zardari-elected-pakistans-president-for-second-time |access-date=10 March 2024 |work=Al Jazeera |date=10 March 2024 |language=en}} The PTI denounced the vote as "illegal," asserting that the election of the "king of corruption," referring to Zardari, was forced upon the nation.{{cite news |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2458873/1 |access-date=10 March 2024 |title=PTI says 'king of corruption' imposed on nation |date=9 March 2024 }}

On 23 February 2024, the 18th Punjab Assembly convened approximately 313 newly elected MPAs were sworn in. This included 193 from the PML-N, 98 PTI-backed independents, 13 from the PPP, 10 from the PML-Q, five from the IPP, and one each from the TLP and the PML-Z.{{cite news |last1=Mahmood |first1=Amjad |title=CM-in-waiting Maryam makes parliamentary debut |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1816654/cm-in-waiting-maryam-makes-parliamentary-debut |access-date=24 February 2024 |work=dawn.com |date=24 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=24 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224033805/https://www.dawn.com/news/1816654/cm-in-waiting-maryam-makes-parliamentary-debut |url-status=live }} On 26 February, Nawaz Sharif's daughter, Maryam Nawaz, was elected as the first female chief minister of Punjab with 220 votes in the assembly,{{cite news |last1=Hussain |first1=Abid |title=Ex-PM Nawaz's daughter is Pakistan's first female provincial chief minister |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/26/ex-pm-nawazs-daughter-is-pakistans-first-female-provincial-chief-minister |access-date=26 February 2024 |work=Al Jazeera |date=26 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=26 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226122214/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/26/ex-pm-nawazs-daughter-is-pakistans-first-female-provincial-chief-minister |url-status=live }} while her opponent PTI-backed candidate Rana Aftab Ahmad Khan boycotted the elections.{{cite news |title=Maryam Nawaz takes oath as first woman chief minister of Pakistan |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2457646/punjab-assembly-session-to-elect-chief-minister-commences |access-date=26 February 2024 |work=The Express Tribune |date=26 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=5 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240305214500/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2457646/punjab-assembly-session-to-elect-chief-minister-commences |url-status=live }} The next day, the PTI announced that it would convene a separate Punjab Assembly session to select its chief minister, speaker, and deputy speaker, asserting a majority with 250 MPAs, including those from reserved seats for women and minorities. They labeled the election of Maryam Nawaz to the chief ministership "a stolen mandate" and asserted that she was defeated on her provincial assembly seat from PP-159 Lahore-XV by a PTI-backed candidate, Mehr Sharafat.{{cite news |title=PTI to call 'parallel' Punjab Assembly session to elect CM, speaker |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1817410/pti-to-call-parallel-punjab-assembly-session-to-elect-cm-speaker |access-date=27 February 2024 |work=Dawn |date=27 February 2024 |archive-date=27 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240227030526/https://www.dawn.com/news/1817410/pti-to-call-parallel-punjab-assembly-session-to-elect-cm-speaker |url-status=live }}

On 24 February, 147 MPAs of the 16th Sindh Assembly took their oath of office,{{cite news |last1=Siddiqui |first1=Tahir |last2=Ali |first2=Imtiaz |title=Sindh MPAs sworn in; election for speaker, deputy speaker to be held tomorrow |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1816767/sindh-mpas-sworn-in-election-for-speaker-deputy-speaker-to-be-held-tomorrow |access-date=24 February 2024 |work=dawn.com |date=24 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=24 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224112049/https://www.dawn.com/news/1816767/sindh-mpas-sworn-in-election-for-speaker-deputy-speaker-to-be-held-tomorrow |url-status=live }} of which 84 MPAs from the PPP, 28 from the MQM-P, 14 independents, including those backed by the PTI, and two each from the GDA and JI.{{cite news |title=Newly elected Sindh MPAs take oath |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2457451/newly-elected-sindh-mpas-take-oath |access-date=28 February 2024 |work=The Express Tribune |date=24 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=26 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226055150/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2457451/newly-elected-sindh-mpas-take-oath |url-status=live }} On 26 February, PPP leader Syed Murad Ali Shah was re-elected as the Sindh Chief Minister for a third consecutive term, receiving 112 votes. His opponent, Ali Khursheedi of the MQM-P, garnered 36 votes.{{cite news |last1=Siddqiui |first1=Tahir |title=PPP's Murad Ali Shah elected Sindh chief minister for third time in a row |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1817289/ppps-murad-ali-shah-elected-sindh-chief-minister-for-third-time-in-a-row |access-date=26 February 2024 |work=dawn.com |date=26 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=26 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226162128/https://www.dawn.com/news/1817289/ppps-murad-ali-shah-elected-sindh-chief-minister-for-third-time-in-a-row |url-status=live }}

On 28 February, the 12th Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa convened as more than 115 newly elected MPAs were sworn in. Among those sworn in were 87 PTI-backed SIC lawmakers, nine from the JUI-F, eight from the PML-N, five from the PPP, two from the PTI-Parliamentarians, and four independents.{{cite news |last1=Hayat |first1=Arif |title=Ruckus in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly as MPAs-elect take oath |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1817779/ruckus-in-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-assembly-as-mpas-elect-take-oath |access-date=28 February 2024 |work=dawn.com |date=28 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=28 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240228095838/https://www.dawn.com/news/1817779/ruckus-in-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-assembly-as-mpas-elect-take-oath |url-status=live }} The next day, Ali Amin Gandapur, a PTI backed independent candidate was elected as the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, securing 90 votes. His opponent, Ibadullah Khan of the PML-N, received 16 votes.{{cite news |last1=Hayat |first1=Arif |title=PTI's Ali Amin Gandapur elected KP chief minister, demands justice for Imran and party |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1818313 |access-date=1 March 2024 |work=dawn.com |date=1 March 2024 |language=en}}

On 28 February, 57 newly elected MPAs of the 12th Baloch Assembly were sworn in where the PPP and the PML-N emerged as the two largest parties.{{cite news |title=MPAs-elect of Balochistan Assembly take oath of office |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1162402-newly-elected-members-of-balochistan-assembly-to-take-oath-today |access-date=28 February 2024 |date=28 February 2024|work=The News |language=en}} On March 2, Sarfraz Bugti was elected unopposed as the new Chief Minister of Balochistan with the joint support of the PPP and the PML-N.{{cite news |last1=Shahid |first1=Saleem |title=Sarfraz Bugti becomes Balochistan CM 'unopposed' |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1818464/sarfraz-bugti-becomes-balochistan-cm-unopposed |work=dawn.com |date=2 March 2024 |language=en}}

After polling closed, caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar ul Haq Kakar said that the elections were a "momentous occasion". He praised the enthusiasm of the people of Pakistan and expressed appreciation for their participation in the polling process, adding that "the high voter turnout is a clear indication of public commitment to shaping the future of our country."{{cite web | url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/8/pakistan-voting-ends-results-expected-soon-amid-charges-of-manipulation | title=Pakistan voting ends; results expected soon amid charges of manipulation | date=8 February 2024 | work=Aljazeera | access-date=9 February 2024 | archive-date=9 February 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240209034530/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/8/pakistan-voting-ends-results-expected-soon-amid-charges-of-manipulation | url-status=live }}

Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja thanked the nation for the successful election and expressed gratitude to all stakeholders, including government bodies, security agencies, media, and voters. He urged returning officers to ensure timely results delivery.{{cite web | url=https://www.app.com.pk/national/ecp-chief-commends-successful-election/ | title=ECP chief commends successful election | date=8 February 2024 | access-date=9 February 2024 | archive-date=8 February 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240208193815/https://www.app.com.pk/national/ecp-chief-commends-successful-election/ | url-status=live }} The Pakistan Armed Forces, through its media wing ISPR, extended congratulations to the nation for the peaceful conduct of the general elections, emphasizing their role in advancing democracy and fulfilling the aspirations of the people.{{cite web | url=https://www.brecorder.com/news/40287981 | title='Peaceful elections' expected to strengthen democracy in country: ISPR | date=8 February 2024 | access-date=9 February 2024 | archive-date=10 February 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210120832/https://www.brecorder.com/news/40287981 | url-status=live }} Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Asim Munir urged citizens to move on from the politics of "anarchy and polarization", adding that a stable hand was needed to unite "Pakistan's diverse polity", and to make "democracy functional and purposeful".{{Cite web |date=2024-02-10 |title=Pakistan election: Imran Khan and Nawaz Sharif each claim advantage |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-68256017 |access-date=2024-02-10 |website=BBC |language=en |archive-date=10 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210102418/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-68256017 |url-status=live }} During the first Corps Commanders' Conference held at the Pakistani military headquarters following the election and chaired by Asim Munir, the military rejected claims of election interference.{{cite news |title=Corps commanders reject poll interference claims, call for stability |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1819510/corps-commanders-reject-poll-interference-claims-call-for-stability |access-date=6 March 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=6 March 2024 |language=en}}

President Arif Alvi, stated that the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs) could have averted the uncertainty surrounding the election results and reminded of his efforts to introduce them in the country's electoral process.{{Cite web |date=2024-02-10 |title=Alvi says use of EVMs could've averted election uncertainty |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2456049/alvi-says-use-of-evms-couldve-averted-election-uncertainty |access-date=2024-02-10 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en |archive-date=10 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210151933/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2456049/alvi-says-use-of-evms-couldve-averted-election-uncertainty |url-status=live }}

In a message from jail, Imran Khan claimed that the PTI won 170 seats, achieving a two-thirds majority in the 2024 elections. He emphasized the power of the electorate and called for the protection of their votes.{{Cite web |url=https://www.ft.com/content/be2925f4-8cb6-41fc-ae07-b00a6493014d |title=Imran Khan's allies accuse Pakistan officials of vote rigging |first1=Benjamin |last1=Parkin |first2=Farhan |last2=Bokhari |date=10 February 2024 |website=Financial Times |access-date=10 February 2024 |archive-date=10 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210120805/https://www.ft.com/content/be2925f4-8cb6-41fc-ae07-b00a6493014d |url-status=live }} According to Khan's sister, Aleema Khan, he described the rigging as the "Mother of all rigging" and ridiculed the PML-N, saying "Instead of honouring the vote, the 'selected ones' have honoured the boot," implying that the PML-N prioritized military influence over respecting the electoral process.{{cite news |title='Mother of all rigging' has made Pakistan laughing stock |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2457055/mother-of-all-rigging-has-made-pakistan-laughing-stock-globally-says-imran |access-date=20 February 2024 |work=The Express Tribune |date=20 February 2024 |language=en}}

The Pakistan Foreign Ministry in a statement expressed surprise at international criticism regarding the elections, citing the complexity of the electoral process and the strong participation of millions of voters.{{cite web | url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2456034/criticism-by-foreign-capitals-orgs-neither-constructive-nor-objective-fo?amp=1 | title=Criticism by foreign capitals, organs neither constructive nor objective: FO | date=10 February 2024 | access-date=11 February 2024 | archive-date=10 February 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210083223/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2456034/criticism-by-foreign-capitals-orgs-neither-constructive-nor-objective-fo?amp=1 | url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=https://www.app.com.pk/national/fo-surprised-at-negative-tone-of-certain-countries-statements-over-general-elections/#google_vignette | title=FO surprised at negative tone of certain countries' statements over general elections | date=10 February 2024 | access-date=11 February 2024 | archive-date=10 February 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210083438/https://www.app.com.pk/national/fo-surprised-at-negative-tone-of-certain-countries-statements-over-general-elections/#google_vignette | url-status=live }}

The day after the election, the Pakistan Stock Exchange shed 2,200 points on opening, or 3.6% of its value, as delayed results and prospects of a hung parliament loomed.{{Cite web |date=2024-02-09 |title=Pakistan stock market sheds over 2,200 points on opening after unexpected poll results — analysts |url=https://arab.news/ny34d |access-date=2024-02-09 |website=Arab News |language=en}}

Dawn in its editorial titled "Respect the mandate" stated it is becoming increasingly clear that there is widespread anger and resentment towards the military's continuous involvement in civilian affairs, and urged the armed forces to abandon its grudge against the PTI. It added that "though the public's decision was quite evident, some quarters still attempted to stamp their will over the election results." It also noted that "the state must realise that, sometimes, a vote for the underdog is a vote against the establishment".{{cite news |title=Respect the mandate |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1812962 |work=DAWN |date=10 February 2024 |language=en |access-date=11 February 2024 |archive-date=12 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212143415/https://www.dawn.com/news/1812962 |url-status=live }} Dawn referred to the largest number of independent candidates winning in a party-based election as a significant development in Pakistan's electoral history, describing it as a "seismic shift" and a clear message from the public that sidelining PTI and depriving them of their election symbol would not alter the election's trajectory.{{cite news |title=Independents' test |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1813484/independents-test |access-date=12 February 2024 |work=dawn.com |date=12 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=12 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212030820/https://www.dawn.com/news/1813484/independents-test |url-status=live }}

The Express Tribune in its editorial stated "the fact that the people of Pakistan have made a choice, and have voted for parliamentary democracy must come as a soothing consolation."{{cite news |title=A vote for democracy |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2455848/a-vote-for-democracy |work=The Express Tribune |date=9 February 2024 |language=en |access-date=11 February 2024 |archive-date=9 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240209065718/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2455848/a-vote-for-democracy |url-status=live }} Hamid Mir stated that PML-N supporters claimed to have received more votes on the day after the election.{{cite news |last1=Zaidi |first1=S. Akbar |title=Pakistan's democratic revolution, with seam and swing |url=https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/pakistans-democratic-revolution-with-seam-and-swing/article67835854.ece |access-date=12 February 2024 |work=The Hindu |date=11 February 2024 |language=en-IN |archive-date=11 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240211230548/https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/pakistans-democratic-revolution-with-seam-and-swing/article67835854.ece |url-status=live }}

Hina Jilani, co-founder of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, expressed her astonishment at the election outcome, stating that she, like everyone else, was taken aback, saying that "It's strange for me to say this, but I don't think the Pakistani public has ever played a strong role in enforcing democracy in this country." and that "we have not seen a public uprising against the military takeover of political space in this country."{{cite magazine |title=Hina Jilani Warns of Pakistan's Unstable Future |url=https://time.com/6695374/pakistan-election-hina-jilani/ |access-date=16 February 2024 |magazine=Time |date=15 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=15 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215202510/https://time.com/6695374/pakistan-election-hina-jilani/ |url-status=live }}

The day after the election concluded, several notable Pakistani journalists, which include Syed Talat Hussain, Meher Bukhari, and Hamid Mir, took to Twitter to openly criticize the ECP, labeling its performance as a 'farcical failure' due to its inability to efficiently deliver election results.{{cite news |title=Journalists censure ECP for 'farcical failure' in delivering results, laud PTI for demonstrating 'power of vote' |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1812678 |access-date=24 February 2024 |work=dawn.com |date=9 February 2024 |language=en}}

• {{flag|Australia}} – The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in a press statement expressed regret saying that "the Pakistani people were restricted in their choice, since not all political parties were allowed to contest these elections."{{cite web |title=Pakistan elections |url=https://www.dfat.gov.au/news/media-release/pakistan-elections |publisher=Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade |access-date=11 February 2024 |archive-date=10 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210072211/https://www.dfat.gov.au/news/media-release/pakistan-elections |url-status=live }}
• {{flagcountry|European Union}} – High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell called upon the relevant authorities to "ensure a timely and full investigation of all reported election irregularities and to implement the recommendations of the upcoming EU Election Expert Mission report."{{Cite web |date=2024-02-09 |title=EU urges Pakistan to ensure full probe of election irregularities |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2455945/eu-urges-pakistan-to-ensure-full-investigation-of-reported-election-irregularities |access-date=2024-02-09 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en |archive-date=9 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240209144336/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2455945/eu-urges-pakistan-to-ensure-full-investigation-of-reported-election-irregularities |url-status=live }}
• {{flagcountry|United Kingdom}} – Foreign Secretary David Cameron in a statement noted "serious concerns raised about the fairness and lack of inclusivity of the elections" while also acknowledging "the restrictions imposed on internet access on polling day, significant delays to the reporting of results and claims of irregularities in the counting process".{{Cite web |date=2024-02-09 |title=UK acknowledges 'serious concerns' about election 'fairness' |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2455952/uk-acknowledges-serious-concerns-about-election-fairness |access-date=2024-02-09 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en |archive-date=9 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240209175415/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2455952/uk-acknowledges-serious-concerns-about-election-fairness |url-status=live }}
• {{flagcountry|United States}} – In a rare strong statement, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller called for a "full investigation into the claims of interference or fraud" during the elections while reiterating to work with whoever forms the next government.{{cite web |title=Elections in Pakistan |url=https://www.state.gov/elections-in-pakistan/ |website=United States Department of State |access-date=29 February 2024 |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=9 February 2024 |title=US questions conduct of Pakistan election, calls for 'fraud' probe |url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2024/02/09/us-prepared-to-work-with-new-pakistani-government-says-us-spokesperson/ |website=Pakistan Today}} Several US lawmakers expressed concerns over the conduct of polls, poll-related violence, and restrictions on freedom of speech.{{Cite web |date=9 February 2024 |title=Pak Elections: US lawmakers condemn violence, restrictions on free speech |url=https://www.business-standard.com/world-news/pak-elections-us-lawmakers-condemn-violence-restrictions-on-free-speech-124020900098_1.html |website=Business Standard |access-date=9 February 2024 |archive-date=9 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240209035259/https://www.business-standard.com/world-news/pak-elections-us-lawmakers-condemn-violence-restrictions-on-free-speech-124020900098_1.html |url-status=live }} White House spokesperson expressed concern about "intimidation and voter suppression," emphasizing that they were closely monitoring the situation in Pakistan.{{cite news |title=US concerned voter suppression in Pakistan |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2456737/us-concerned-voter-suppression-in-pakistan |access-date=20 February 2024 |work=The Express Tribune |date=17 February 2024 |language=en}}

Following the election, Pakistan's classification in the Democracy Index was revised downward by the Economist Intelligence Unit, shifting it from a hybrid regime to an authoritarian regime.{{cite news |title=Tumultuous year sees Pakistan slide down 'Democracy Index' |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1814614/tumultuous-year-sees-pakistan-slide-down-democracy-index |access-date=16 February 2024 |work=dawn.com |date=16 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=16 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216034948/https://www.dawn.com/news/1814614/tumultuous-year-sees-pakistan-slide-down-democracy-index |url-status=live }}

On 27 February, Moody's retained Pakistan's ratings at 'Caa3' with a stable outlook. Nevertheless, the agency emphasized significantly high risks of liquidity and external vulnerability challenges, terming the election "controversial." The agency suggested that this situation could severely limit the decision-making capacity of the incoming coalition government.{{cite news |last1=Kiani |first1=Khaleeq |title='Controversial' polls, 'weak' coalition govt to pose economic challenges: Moody's |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1817690/controversial-polls-weak-coalition-govt-to-pose-economic-challenges-moodys |access-date=28 February 2024 |work=dawn.com |date=28 February 2024 |language=en}} Earlier in February 2023, Moody's downgraded Pakistan's rating from Caa1 to Caa3.{{cite news |title=Moody's slashes Pakistan's credit rating to Caa3 — lowest in 3 decades |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1739609 |access-date=28 February 2024 |work=dawn.com |date=28 February 2023 |language=en}}

On 28 February, at least 31 members of the United States Congress wrote a letter to US President Joe Biden, urging him to withhold recognition of the incoming coalition government until a "thorough, transparent, and credible" audit of the election is conducted. The letter also demanded that the United States cease military and other cooperation with Pakistan.{{cite news |last1=Iqbal |first1=Anwar |title=US lawmakers urge Biden not to recognise new Pakistan govt |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1818191/us-lawmakers-urge-biden-not-to-recognise-new-pakistan-govt |access-date=6 March 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=1 March 2024 |language=en}}{{cite news |last1=Grim |first1=Ryan |title=Members Of Congress Demand Biden Withhold Recognition of Coalition Claiming Power in Pakistan |url=https://theintercept.com/2024/02/28/congress-pakistan-election-recognition/ |access-date=29 February 2024 |work=The Intercept |date=28 February 2024}} Among those critical of the results was Congressman Ro Khanna who also alleged that the Pakistani military was backing Nawaz Sharif.{{cite news |last1=Jha |first1=Lalit K. |title=Pakistani military 'rigging' elections to 'prop up' its candidate despite Imran Khan-backed candidates winning polls: Congressman Khanna |url=https://theprint.in/world/pakistani-military-rigging-elections-to-prop-up-its-candidate-despite-imran-khan-backed-candidates-winning-polls-congressman-khanna/1961650/ |access-date=11 February 2024 |work=ThePrint |date=10 February 2024 |archive-date=10 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210063535/https://theprint.in/world/pakistani-military-rigging-elections-to-prop-up-its-candidate-despite-imran-khan-backed-candidates-winning-polls-congressman-khanna/1961650/ |url-status=live }} In an interview, Congressman Greg Casar expressed concerns about American hypocrisy regarding Pakistani democracy, stating that he has directly contacted the State Department about it. He also warned Pakistan's Ambassador to the United States that existing laws could be utilized to reduce aid to Pakistan due to its human rights abuses.{{cite news |last1=Grim |first1=Ryan |title=What Is the Progressive Vision for Immigration? |url=https://theintercept.com/2024/02/07/immigration-progessive-policy-pakistan/ |access-date=29 February 2024 |work=The Intercept |date=7 February 2024}}

On 8 March, in an unusual political statement, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) urged Pakistani authorities to resolve all electoral disputes fairly and peacefully.{{cite news |last1=Iqbal |first1=Anwar |title=In rare political message, IMF urges resolution of all electoral disputes |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1820170/in-rare-political-message-imf-urges-resolution-of-all-electoral-disputes |access-date=9 March 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=9 March 2024 |language=en}}

On 20 March, a Congressional hearing titled "Pakistan After the Elections: Examining the Future of Democracy in Pakistan and the US-Pakistan Relationship" took place, during which Donald Lu provided testimony before a subcommittee of the US House Committee on Foreign Affairs.{{cite news |title=US Congressional hearing: Donald Lu dubs Imran's cipher allegation 'conspiracy theory, complete falsehood' |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1822769/us-congressional-hearing-donald-lu-dubs-imrans-cipher-allegation-conspiracy-theory-complete-falsehood |access-date=20 March 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=20 March 2024 |language=en}} Lu stated that the term "free and fair" was never used to describe the 2024 Pakistani elections and recommended that the ECP investigate allegations of election fraud. Additionally, he warned that if the ECP fails to address these allegations, it could negatively impact America's relationship with Pakistan.{{cite news |last1=Iqbal |first1=Anwar |title=US diplomat links Pakistan ties with election probe |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1822886/us-diplomat-links-pakistan-ties-with-election-probe |access-date=21 March 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=21 March 2024 |language=en}}

• List of members of the 16th National Assembly of Pakistan
• 2024 Punjab provincial election
• 2024 Sindh provincial election
• 2024 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial election
• 2024 Balochistan provincial election
• 2024 Pakistani presidential election

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Category:General elections in Pakistan

Category:Election and referendum articles with incomplete results