Thank You Pakistan For Holding A Peaceful Election in 2024

On February 8, 2024, Pakistan held a general election for the 16th National Assembly and Provincial Assemblies. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) announced the detailed schedule on December 15, 2023.

More than 128 million registered voters across the country cast their votes in the general election. According to the resource, 18,000 candidates competed for 266 National Assembly seats and 593 Provincial Assembly seats. Pakistan held this election at a critical time, as it is dealing with major economic, security, and environmental challenges.

Security Situations in the 2024 General Election

Two candidates lost their lives during the general election campaign. An independent candidate for the Provincial Assembly of KPK was shot and killed on January 10 while going door-to-door. On January 31, an independent candidate was killed when gunmen opened fire on his car in a Bajaur, KPK, market. Three other people were injured in the same attack, which was claimed by the Islamic State – Khorasan Province (ISIS-K).

On January 30, four people were killed and five others injured in an explosion during a rally in Sibi, Baluchistan. In another incident on January 31, fifteen people were injured in attacks on the offices of candidates in Baluchistan, which the BLA claimed. On February 7, 29 people were killed in explosions outside an independent candidate’s office in Baluchistan. ISIS-K claimed responsibility for both attacks.

Attacks on Armed Forces in 2024

On January 8, 2024, Havildar Muhammad Zahir (age: 41 years, resident of District Mardan) embraced shahadat in North Waziristan. In another incident on January 10, 2024, during an intense exchange of fire, two brave soldiers, Sepoy Muhammad Afzal, and Sepoy Ibrar Hussain, having fought gallantly, embraced Shahadat in Laki Marwat.

On January 13, 2024, during the operation in Kech, Baluchistan, five brave soldiers sacrificed their lives and embraced Shahadat. The Shuhada include; Sepoy Tipu Razzaq, Sepoy Sunny Shaukat, Sepoy Shafi Ullah, Lance Naik Tariq Ali, and Sepoy Muhammad Tariq Khan.

Attacks on Law Enforcement Agencies in 2024

On January 30, 2024, terrorists attacked the Mach and Kolpur Complexes in Balochistan.  During the intense exchange of fire, four brave members of Law Enforcement Agencies embraced Shahadat, along with two innocent civilians.

Attacks on Pakistan Police in 2024

On February 5, 2024, TTP carried out a cowardly attack on the Police Station of Dera Ismail Khan. Reportedly, ten brave policemen embraced Shahadat, while six cops sustained injuries after fighting the militants gallantly.

On February 8, 2024, TTP launched a cowardly attack on the KPK police. At least four policemen embraced Shahadat in a terror attack in the Kulachi area of Dera Ismail Khan.

ISPR Statement Regarding General Election in 2024

On February 8, 2024, ISPR issued a statement about the security situation during the general elections. ISPR said, “We extend heartfelt congratulations to the nation on the generally peaceful and violence-free conduct of the general elections. The armed forces, along with other Law Enforcement Agencies are proud to have played a pivotal role in providing security during the sacred electoral process in Pakistan. The deployment of 137,000 army personnel and civil armed forces at approximately 6,000 selected most sensitive polling stations and over 7,800 QRFs ensured a safe and secure environment for the public.

Despite 51 cowardly terrorist attacks, mostly in KPK and Balochistan, aimed at disrupting the electoral process. The security forces remained resolute and effectively ensured peace and security across Pakistan. 12 people embraced Shahadat, and 39 others have been injured in these attacks.

Many potential threats were neutralized through proactive intelligence maneuvers and swift action. This underscores the unwavering commitment of our security agencies to protect the democratic rights of citizens. During various operations, the security forces killed 5 terrorists.

Gratitude is owed to other law enforcement agencies that worked hand in hand with the armed forces to safeguard the democratic process. It is our fervent hope that our sacrifices will not be in vain. This election will serve as a catalyst for further strengthening democracy in Pakistan. It will pave the way for the realization of the aspirations of the people of Pakistan.

The armed forces remain dedicated to upholding peace and security in the country and stand ready to provide unwavering support in safeguarding the democratic traditions of our state.”

COAS Statement Regarding General Elections in 2024

On February 10, 2024, Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir issued a statement about the general elections in Pakistan. According to the ISPR, “COAS congratulates the entire Pakistani nation and all winning candidates on the successful conduct of the general elections in 2024. Free and unhindered participation by Pakistani people in exercising their right of vote demonstrated their commitment to democracy.

The leadership and personnel of law-enforcement agencies deserve our highest appreciation for creating a safe and secure environment.

The national media, civil society, members of civil administration, and the judiciary actively played a constructive role in ensuring the successful conduct of the largest electoral exercise in our nation’s history.

A unified government of all democratic forces, imbued with national purpose, will represent Pakistan’s diverse polity and pluralism. Elections and democracy are means to serve the people of Pakistan, not ends in themselves. The nation needs stable hands and a healing touch to move on from the politics of anarchy and polarization, which do not suit a progressive country of 250 million people.

Elections are not a zero-sum competition of winning and losing but an exercise to determine the mandate of the people. Political leadership and their workers should rise above self-interest and synergize efforts in governing and serving the people.

The people of Pakistan have reposed their combined trust in the Constitution of Pakistan. It is now incumbent upon all political parties to reciprocate the same with political maturity and unity. As we move forward from this national milestone, we must reflect on where the country stands today. Where our rightful place should be is in the community of nations. The COAS hopes that these elections will bring political and economic stability and will be the start of peace and prosperity for our beloved Pakistan.

Startup Pakistans Message

Startup Pakistans salutes its great martyrs and thanks all security agencies, including the Pakistan Armed Forces, Pakistan Police, and Law Enforcement Agencies, for their important role in maintaining law and order during the general election.

We pray that the nation will play an important role in the development of Pakistan and support the security forces to end terrorism in Pakistan.

Conclusion

For the first time in Pakistan’s history, the youth exercised their right of vote in such large numbers in the 2024 general election, electing their preferred representatives and sending them to the assemblies to play an important role in solving the country’s problems.

The entire nation pays tribute to the security forces for their important role in maintaining law and order on election day in Pakistan. The nation salutes the security forces.

Author

This article is written and researched by Mujeeb UR Rehman, a Certified Marketing and Communications Professional from IBMI Berlin, Germany.