Election Day Security and Nationwide Service Disruptions in Pakistan
The Government of Pakistan announced a nationwide suspension of cellphone services through election day, a measure that began this Thursday and will run until the polls close. An estimated 240 million Pakistanis were urged to vote.
A spokesperson from the Ministry of Internal Affairs explained that the decision was taken because of recent terrorist incidents across the country. The aim is to safeguard lives, preserve law and order, and counter possible threats. Islamabad Police stated that security at polling stations will stay vigilant, with about 3,500 soldiers and 6,500 police officers deployed to the capital to support operations.
Earlier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced temporary closures of border crossings with Iran and Afghanistan to ensure election security amid rising security concerns and ongoing Army involvement in the process.
On Wednesday, two attacks occurred in Balochistan targeting offices associated with political parties and independent candidates in the western region, resulting in at least 28 deaths.
Political Contention and Legal Actions
The election period has left a notable mark on recent weeks, including penalties issued to a PTI leader and multiple cases against former Prime Minister Imran Khan for corruption and the leakage of a secret document, as well as concerns about the repatriation of Nawaz Sharif after a lifetime disqualification in 2018.
The vote followed a delay initially planned for November and followed Khan’s removal from office in a no-confidence vote in April 2022. Allegations of external meddling, including claims of Washington pressuring to remove him from power, have been cited by Khan and his supporters. He sought to block the vote by dissolving the National Assembly, a move the Supreme Court later annulled.
The dismissal of Khan, who won the 2018 election with Army backing and amid opposition from the Pakistan Muslim League–Nawaz, was followed by protests about military influence. Sharif and his party faced legal challenges as part of a broader political power struggle. No prime minister has completed a full term in Pakistan’s modern history, a reflection of enduring institutional tensions between civilian leadership and the military.
In the current cycle, the PTI has condemned what it calls a political and judicial campaign, noting a series of proceedings against Khan after his removal and related convictions for other senior officials in his government. Khan has argued that the charges amount to political persecution and has framed elections as a critical tool to remove those he views as corrupt from power.
The opposition has urged supporters to remain calm and to express dissent through the ballot box rather than the streets, even as a deadly explosion at a rally in Balochistan underscored ongoing risks. The party has also criticized actions such as restricting party symbols and contesting under voter ID after a court ruling on the legitimacy of its new leadership.
The United Nations Human Rights Office has raised concerns about a pattern of harassment, arrest, and detention of PTI members and urged authorities to ensure an inclusive democratic process.
Sharif’s Return and Election Dynamics
Shehbaz Sharif is not the frontrunner alone; Pakistan faces a fractured political landscape with an unelected interim government guiding the country toward elections after a coalition led by the PML-N dissolved. Sharif, a veteran politician who has led the country three times, enters a race very different from 2018 when he was unable to stand due to imprisonment on corruption charges.
Sharif recently returned from a temporary medical leave, and courts cleared convictions that previously blocked his candidacy, a move seen by critics as reflecting the influence of the coalition government led by his brother. He campaigns against a backdrop where rivals remain jailed or facing legal challenges.
Sharif’s stance toward the military leadership signals a possible softening of tensions, but he has yet to complete any term in office. The 1999 coup under Pervez Musharraf, who died in exile in 2023, still looms large in Pakistan’s political memory. Other prominent figures include Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari of the Pakistan People’s Party and Asif Ali Zardari, who have been central to coalition dynamics, though victory for any single candidate remains uncertain.
Security, Economy, and the Road Ahead
The elections arrive at a moment of significant strain across Pakistan, marked by rising violence along the Afghanistan border with the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan and Baloch separatist activity in western regions. Cross-border tensions prompted Islamabad to threaten action if extremist groups did not curb violence; Kabul’s response included distancing itself from militant activities.
Border-related clashes and a surge in attacks have contributed to a difficult security environment, with data showing high casualty figures in 2023. Across borders, clashes and mutual distrust have complicated regional relations, though both sides have pledged cooperation. ACLED has noted incidents involving politicians, while overall security and political stability remain intertwined with economic pressures.
Pakistan’s economy faces a steep path, pressured by the aftermath of the pandemic, a weak currency, rising prices for essentials, and inflation. The World Bank cites persistent imbalances driven by internal and external shocks, currency fluctuations, and political uncertainty. Analysts argue that credible electoral outcomes are essential to stabilizing the nation and paving a path toward reform.
Experts suggest that the electoral result will shape Pakistan’s ability to address security threats, economic reforms, and ongoing governance challenges. The coming weeks will reveal how parties negotiate coalitions, address public concerns, and respond to the demands of citizens seeking stability and opportunity.