Pakistan: Delays in poll results; Jailed ex-PM Imran Khan’s allies outperform
Live MintPolling for general elections in Pakistan concluded amid allegations of rigging and the shutdown of cellular and internet services, Pakistan-based Dawn reported. As the counting of votes was underway for the Pakistan general elections held on Thursday, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan claimed victory, saying that the people demonstrated their resolve to elect his party by turning out in large numbers to vote. Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf was barred from contesting Thursday's election as a bloc, but unofficial tallies by local TV channels showed independent candidates -- including dozens anointed by his party -- leading in the most constituencies. Five were taken by supporters of jailed cricket star Imran Khan who were contesting as independents while four from Pakistan Muslim League, the party of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday expressed concern about violence in Pakistan and the suspension of mobile communications services on election day in the South Asian nation, his spokesperson said in an emailed statement.