Bombs, 1000 coffins, and votes: Highlights from Pakistan's election-day
What's the story
An undergoing election is expected to bring new hope of democracy in Pakistan, but the fear of an unfair polling day hasn't been ruled out. Peshawar deputy commissioner Hamid Sheikh prepared 1000 coffins in case of terrorist attack but hoped for a peaceful election. Meanwhile, a bomb killed 28 in the Quetta, and Islamic State Group took responsibility for the same.
The terror
A bloody road to democracy: Blasts rocked Pakistan before elections
The attack in Quetta isn't the only one to shake Pakistan. Earlier, senior politician Nawabzada Siraj Raisani and 130 others reportedly died in twin blasts ahead of the election. On July 10, leader Haroon Bilour of Awami National Party, lost his life in an attack in Peshawar. Over 17,000 polling stations were declared sensitive and security was beefed up.
Details
Even, Hafiz Saeed came out to vote today
A designated terrorist, Hafiz Saeed, also went to cast his vote today, pictures of which have surfaced. Saeed tried creating a party MML to contest elections but widespread criticism, including flak from the US, forced the election commission to not register it as a political party. But then, MML backed 200 candidates who are now contesting elections under Allah-o-Akbar Tehreek (AAT).
Twitter Post
Watch: Terrorist Hafiz Saeed doing his 'duties' as Pakistani citizen
Most Wanted Terrorist Hafiz Saeed casts his vote at Lahore. #MML #ElectionPakistan2018 #HafizSaeed has a $10 million American bounty on his head but lives in the open in Pakistan. #MumbaiBandh #Anantnag #PakistanElections2018 #PresidentInBastar #WednesdayWisdom #OStreeKalAana pic.twitter.com/QysWrHx2Zh
— Rohit Dhyani (@RohitDhyani) July 25, 2018
Mindful gestures
Meanwhile, Pakistanis are giving flowers to army personnel
Pictures which surfaced on social media show Pakistani citizens presenting flowers to army personnel on election duty. This is being done to show their love and respect for the men in uniform. Notably, the military has long been accused of hindering the democratic roots of Pakistan and getting away with it. Will these elections be any different? Only time has the answer.
Do you know?
Finally, will Imran Khan become Pakistan's new Prime Minister?
With Nawaz Sharif and daughter in jail, PML (N) served a major blow, which translated to a boon for Imran Khan's PTI. The counting of votes will be done soon after conclusion of the polling process at 6pm. Results will be announced within 24 hours.