Overcoming Challenges: Pakistan’s Remarkable Progress in the 2024 General Elections

Despite numerous challenges and obstacles, the 2024 elections proved to be a
resounding success, with fully functional governments now in place across all provinces.
Pakistan is steadily progressing along the path of development, as the newly-formed
government tirelessly explores innovative solutions to enhance the country’s
circumstances on a daily basis. However, there are adversaries of Pakistan who, driven
by their own ulterior motives, actively oppose the establishment of internal peace within
the country.
The General election 2024 witnessed significant improvements compared to 2018 across
various indicators, as highlighted in the PILDAT report. However, the credibility of the
election results, the government’s decision-making process to ensure a seamless voting
day, and the role played by the military in providing necessary support were questioned.
Here are the pre-poll phase assessment indicators from the report, comparing 2018 and
2024:

1. There has been a remarkable 100% improvement in the neutrality of both the
   federal and provincial governments.
2. The impartiality of security forces and international agencies has also witnessed a
   significant improvement of 100%.
3. The effectiveness of the caretaker government, particularly in supporting the
   Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), has shown a positive increase of 33%.
4. Efforts to ensure law and order and maintain peace during the electioneering
   process have improved by 33%.
5. The judiciary’s independence during the electioneering phase has experienced a
   notable improvement of 100%.
6. The law and order situation, conducive for electioneering for all contestants, has
   shown a positive increase of 33%.
7. The media’s independence from government influence has also improved by 33%.
   Furthermore, there has been a significant 100% improvement in the process of
   government formation, which was free from any pressures or inducements.
   The points put forward to assess the quality of general elections can be seen as mere
   accusations rather than substantiated facts. For instance, the delay in announcing results,
   similar to the situation in 2018, was primarily aimed at ensuring and upholding law and
   order. It’s important to note that not all results were delayed on the election day, but
   specific instances such as in Waziristan were influenced by the aggressive circumstances
   by the supporters of the political parties.
   In North Waziristan, a tragic incident occurred where three policemen lost their lives due
   to gunfire by supporters of Mohsin Dawar, former Member National Assembly and
   Chairman of the National Democratic Movement. Similarly, the suspension of mobile
   phone and internet services was prompted by other similar security threats that were
   deemed significant and required precautionary measures. These accusations of unfair
   elections are clearly propagated by political parties that prioritize their own interests over
   the nation’s peace, aligning themselves with the country’s adversaries.
   Given the remarkable progress made in the 2024 general elections, it is essential to
   prioritize the well-being of the people and provide a fair chance for the newly-formed
   government to lead. The significant improvements in neutrality, impartiality, law and order,
   and the independence of institutions demonstrate a positive trajectory towards a more
   transparent and effective governance system. By supporting the new government,
   Pakistan can pave the way for sustainable development and the advancement of its
   citizens’ welfare.