In a controversial move, the Interior Ministry of Pakistan has shut down mobile internet and phones across the country. The move was made minutes before polling stations opened Thursday morning at 8 am.
To find out what voters could do to find out what their polling information is, since they can no longer send a text message to 8300, The Current contacted Caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi.
“A serious voter will know all the details already,” he told us on the phone, using WiFi for the call. “Serious voters find out a day before what their polling information is like I did. I messaged 8300 the night before and wrote all my information.”
When we asked if a voter wasn’t able to before, or wasn’t a ‘serious voter’ but was still a ‘voter’ what can they do? “Well, a voter should know his constituency number. They can go to any polling station in their area and might be able to find it,” he said.
When asked that some people can’t find their polling stations easily, and now that the internet is down, what can they do? He recommended that “for those who want to get to their polling station via Google maps, they should print the map at home and then take it and follow it. I used to do this when I was in America, and it’s very easy to do.”
Solangi also said that people used to vote before mobiles existed and can now as well.
But if a voter has issues finding their information, PTI is offering an alternative. You can send your ID card number to Imran Khan’s Facebook page and they will reply, with your block number, polling station. Even if you are not a PTI voter, you will still be able to get your relevant information.
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) head Nawaz Sharif has cast his vote in NA-128 Lahore along with his daughter Maryam Nawaz. Nawaz Sharif cast his vote for the first time in nearly six years.
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari wants the mobile service across the country to be restored. The former foreign minister wrote a post on X (previously Twitter) saying, “Mobile phone services must be restored immediately across the country. I have asked my party to approach both ECP and the courts for this purpose.”
Other politicians are also agreeing with BBZ, including Independent candidate and former PPP minister, Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar.
The federal Ministry of Interior has confirmed on Thursday morning that internet services on mobile data across the country have been suspended after a dramatic surge of terror attacks just a day before the country goes to polls.
“Recent surge in terrorist activities resulting in precious lives have stirred security environment in the country. In the light of deteriorating security situation and to mitigate potential security threats, need has risen to take by measures to safeguard against it. Therefore, it has been decided to temporarily suspend the mobile services across the country,” a statement issued by the ministry said.
However, WiFi services have not been suspended and remain operational.
The news has been met by dismay on social media as users say it hinders the voting process and blocks candidates from communicating with their polling staff.
On Wednesday, two attacks just a short while apart from each other, killed 27 people in Balochistan while more than 50 people were injured. A grenade attack in Karachi got foiled when the ammo detonated in the hands of the motorcyclist carrying it, while JUI-F’s Hafiz Hamdullah was attacked by gunfire in an assassination attempt that failed.
It’s been a long journey filled with tears, sweat, and countless sleepless nights (quite literally) as we meticulously researched your candidate.
Do you know what your candidate thinks about women’s rights, transgender rights, climate change, and minority issues? We looked through official government and party websites, news articles, news videos to find information on what your candidate thinks about issues that matter to you. We only had the manpower to do 50 candidates and hope it helps you make the decision on who to vote for in your city. The handbook is added, page by page, below but if you rather download it, here is the link:
Pakistan’s political landscape is undergoing a significant transformation as the country prepares for critical elections. The young, energetic youth, a demographic powerhouse, holds significant potential to shape the country’s political future, making their thoughts, worries, and aspirations crucial.
Youth Voter Turnout 2018:
According to empirical Analysis of Elections in Pakistan done by Gallup Pakistan, average Youth voter turnout estimates are a mere 31.5% compared to 40% for women voter turnout and 53% for average national voter turnout during the last two elections in 2013 and 2018.
Youth Driven Digital Democracy:
To help the voices of the future, we also need to explore the influence of social media on political opinions and decisions driven by the youth. In the diverse society we are living in, social media is the strongest tool at the disposal of Pakistani political parties which can have a profound effect on youth’s minds and political parties and vice versa. Social media platforms enable young people to participate in conversations, express their opinions, and contribute to an active online political dialogue. Hashtags and trending topics frequently serve as vehicles for political speech, emphasizing certain concerns and establishing a virtual arena for political discourse.
Critical issues for upcoming 2024 election:
The 2024 elections survey by The Current Forum in Pakistan raised important concerns: 51.8% prioritized economic stability, 32.6% emphasized governance and accountability, 8.5%% focused on social services such as education and healthcare, 3.5% were conscious of climate change, and 3.5% were concerned about national security. Instagram polls echoed similar sentiments: 45% prioritized governance and accountability, 42% emphasized economic stability, 11% supported education and healthcare, and 2% were concerned about climate change. These findings highlight the different electorate objectives, emphasizing the necessity for policymakers to develop comprehensive policies that meet several issues
Request for political candidates for immediate impact on universities and student bodies:
The Current Forum’s 2024 elections survey found a wide range of student demands: 40.4% emphasized active engagement in decision-making for inclusive governance, 32.6% requested immediate financial assistance, and 24.8% increased funding for education. Notably, 2.1% prioritized increased campus security. According to Instagram surveys, 43% priorities student assistance, 34% advocate for student involvement in decision-making, 19% demand increased education financing, and 4% emphasize enhanced campus security.
Concerns about the electoral process in Pakistan that need attention and improvement:
Initiatives or strategies that could encourage greater political awareness and participation among the youth in Pakistan:
The study indicates a variety of opinions on improving political engagement among Pakistani young. Notably, 29.8% prefer youth-focused political participation events, while 30.5% support greater young representation. 18.4% favor expanding civic education programs, while 21.3% support easily available information platforms.
According to Instagram polls, 25% prefer greater civic education, while 24% support youth-focused engagement activities. A majority (35%) advocate for expanded youth representation, while 16% support accessible information platforms.
Immediate Priorities for Universities and Students: Requests toPolitical Candidates in Pakistan’s 2024 Elections
The survey responses highlight a range of concerns and requests from students in Pakistan for political candidates to address in the 2024 elections. Key issues include the restoration of student unions, regulation of private institution fees, compulsory on-campus jobs, and student policies that positively impact the student body. The lack of governance in certain regions, particularly in Balochistan, is also a concern. Students advocate for changes in grading systems, tackling harassment issues, ensure affordable fees, and creating job opportunities post-graduation. They also advocate for free education, scholarships, and support for those unable to afford fees. The survey participants urged candidates to address the specific needs and concerns voiced by the student community, fostering a more responsive and accountable approach to policymaking.
The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, while talking to GEO News, said that he had a good working relationship with Shehbaz Sharif. The former foreign minister also said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) are doing ‘politics of hate’.
Bilawal also stated that the politics of hate needs to end, as all politicians should respect each other. On the question of missing persons in the country, a young politician said his party will try to resolve this issue He was also not satisfied with what the caretaker federal government did to the Baloch Long March protesters in December.
The former prime minister Shehbaz Sharif, while talking to GEO News, said that if Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) gets a simple majority in elections, then PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif will be the next prime minister of Pakistan.
The former prime minister also said that PML-N needs to do more work for women’s empowerment, as the party is lacking in addressing this issue. He also said that the party is geared up to fix the economy when they win the election.
Uff, so exciting, aapka first vote! If you’re confused about how to do it, don’t worry, we’re here to help. Here’s a step-by-step guide for what you need to do on Feb 8 to cast a vote.
Step-I: See if you are eligible
You need to be
A citizen of Pakistan
18 years of age
Have an original CNIC
Are not declared of unsound mind by a competent court
A resident of your area.
Step 2:: Find your Polling station
To find out your constituency and polling station, text your CNIC number (without spaces or dashes) to 8300 — the only official code for the ECP.
You will receive an automated response with the name of the electoral area, block code, and serial number.
Step 3: Time to vote
Polling starts at 8 am on Thursday, Feb 8, and will typically end by 5 pm. Anyone who enters the polling station after the cut-off time will not be allowed to cast their vote so make sure you get there on time. Get it done as early as possible and enjoy the rest of the holiday.
Step 4: Dress comfortably and carry only CNIC to the polling station
On Feb 8, make sure to carry your original CNIC. Photocopies, duplicates, or any other document will not be accepted.
Another important thing to remember is that you will not be allowed to take your cell phone inside the polling station so best to leave it at home.
Step 5: Male-female segregation in a polling station
As you enter the polling station — men and women will enter separately — you will be checked by a security officer.
Step 6: Inside the polling station
Once inside, look for a list that has voter names (your name) and designated polling booths on it. Go to the polling booth listed next to your name.
You will meet the polling officer, who will ask to see your original CNIC.
The polling officer will mark your thumb with ink to obtain your thumb impression on the electoral rolls as proof that you have exercised your right to vote.
Then the assistant presiding officer will hand you two ballot papers: one for the national and one for provincial assemblies. You will stamp your thumb impression on the counterfoil.
Make sure that the assistant presiding officer has signed on the back of each ballot paper as well as on the counterfoil. If this isn’t done, a polling agent can call your votes into question and have them cancelled during the counting process. Therefore, make sure your ballots are valid before you stamp them.
Please remember that the green ballot paper is for the National Assembly, while the white ballot paper is for the Provincial Assembly.
Head to the polling booth. It is usually placed behind a screen for privacy purposes. You will not be issued a replacement ballot paper, so before you head to the polling booth, make up your mind about who you are voting for. Once the paper has been stamped, you cannot change your decision.
Precaution: Do not attach any kind of object to the ballot paper. It will be rejected. Revealing your identity on the ballot paper will also result in the ballot papers being rejected.
Let the ink dry, and fold the ballot paper according to how you are instructed. The green paper goes into the box with the green lid, and the white paper goes into the box with the white lid.
Step 7: Go home and chill
As you step out of the polling station, get some snacks, head back home chill for the rest of the day, and be happy – you voted for the Pakistan you wanted. Now you have the right to complain!
A man from Chattisgarh in India surprised the guests at his daughter’s wedding by gifting them helmets.
Sed Yadav has gifted around 60 helmets to the guests at his daughter’s wedding.
When he chose a helmet instead of expensive goods for the guests, Sed Yadav said it was to create awareness about road safety.
Speaking to reporters, Yadav said, “I felt my daughter’s wedding was the best occasion to raise awareness about road safety. I told the guests that life is precious, and I appealed to them not to drink and drive as most road accidents occur due to drunk driving.” He said twelve members of his family also decided to dance wearing helmets during the wedding to support the cause.
“I distributed around 60 helmets to guests along with sweets,” he said.
