ISLAMABAD: Election campaigns by Pakistan’s political parties and independent candidates concluded across the country at the stroke of midnight on Tuesday, as millions gear up for polls in the economically troubled South Asian country.
The government said on Tuesday that Pakistan’s election regulator has completed all arrangements to hold polls nationwide, which include establishing over 90,600 polling stations in all four provinces and the deployment of around 650,000 security personnel.
As the South Asian country heads to the polls, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) issued an advisory warning candidates and political parties against organizing rallies, public meetings or corner meetings to canvass for votes.
The regulator said that from Feb. 7 till polling day, election campaigns, advertisements and written materials on electronic and print media in support of or in opposition to a particular political party or candidate, would not be deemed permissible.
“Legal action will be taken against any person who violates the above-mentioned provision [Section 182, Elections Act 2017] of the law,” the ECP said.
The election regulator reminded media organizations that they cannot run poll surveys till the electoral exercise is not completed. However, it said media can broadcast poll results one hour after voting concludes, provided they clarify that the results are unofficial and inconclusive.
Security will be a key challenge for Pakistani authorities as the country heads to national polls amid surging attacks on political parties and election candidates. Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province has seen several attacks on election candidates, security forces and the ECP’s offices in the in the last week. This includes a bomb blast last that that targeted a rally led by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party in Sibi city, which killed four people and injured five.
Out of 90,675 total polling stations across Pakistan, the government has declared 44,026 as “normal” in terms of security, while over 29,000 polling stations were classified sensitive, with CCTV cameras installed at these locations.
The electoral exercise has been marred by allegations of rigging, mainly by former prime minister Imran Khan’s PTI party. Khan, who was handed jail sentences in three different cases last week under charges that range from graft to leaking state secrets, claims he has done no wrong.
The cricketer-turned-politician blames Pakistan’s powerful military, saying that cases against him are politically motivated to keep him away from elections. The military denies Khan’s allegations and says it does not interfere in political matters.
Electioneering concludes, Pakistan to hold general elections tomorrow
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Electioneering concludes, Pakistan to hold general elections tomorrow
- Over 128 million voters are expected to exercise their right to vote on February 8 elections
- Pakistan’s election regulator issues advisory warning parties, candidates against canvassing
Pakistan raises fuel prices by Rs55 per liter as Middle East conflict drives oil surge
- Government says adequate fuel stocks in place despite global energy shock
- Oil prices jump from about $78 to over $106 per barrel amid regional conflict
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Friday increased petrol and diesel prices by Rs55 ($0.20) per liter each as escalating conflict in the Middle East sent global oil prices sharply higher and disrupted energy supply routes, officials said.
Global oil markets have been rattled since coordinated strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran began last week, triggering retaliatory attacks across the region, raising fears of disruption to key energy shipping routes and pushing petroleum prices sharply upward.
The price adjustment in Pakistan was announced after a joint press conference by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, who said the government was monitoring international energy markets and domestic supply conditions amid the crisis.
“So, the decision we have made by changing the levy a little bit is that we are going ahead with increasing the price of both fuels, petrol and diesel, by Rs55 ($0.20),” Malik told reporters.
“And as soon as this matter settles, we will revise the prices downward with the same speed and take steps on how to increase people’s income and purchasing power.”
He said Pakistan entered the crisis with “comfortable energy reserves” due to earlier planning but rising global prices had forced the government to adjust domestic fuel rates to maintain supply continuity.
He said international petrol prices had climbed from roughly $78 per barrel on March 1 to around $106.8 per barrel, while diesel prices had risen to about $150 per barrel.
Malik added that the government had taken steps to minimize the burden on consumers, noting diesel plays a critical role in agriculture, transportation and public mobility.
Malik also warned that authorities would take strict action against anyone attempting to hoard fuel or manipulate supply for profiteering.
The minister said Pakistan was working with international partners to secure additional energy supplies, including arrangements with Saudi Aramco and the use of Pakistan National Shipping Corporation vessels to transport crude oil imports.
Finance Minister Aurangzeb said a high-level government committee formed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had been meeting daily to review developments in global petroleum markets and their potential impact on Pakistan’s economy.
“Pakistan currently maintains adequate energy stocks and macroeconomic stability,” Aurangzeb said, adding that the government’s response was based on preparedness rather than panic.
He said the committee, which includes senior ministers, the governor of the State Bank of Pakistan and other officials, was assessing short-, medium- and long-term implications of the crisis for inflation, foreign exchange reserves and broader economic indicators.
Deputy PM Dar said the regional conflict had significantly disrupted global energy markets, with international petroleum prices rising by as much as 50–70 percent in recent days.
The deputy prime minister added that Pakistan was also engaged in diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions and restoring stability in the region.
Petroleum prices will now be reviewed more frequently, potentially on a weekly basis, and any reduction in global oil prices would be passed on to consumers.
Pakistan, which relies heavily on imported fuel to meet its energy needs, is particularly vulnerable to global oil price shocks that can quickly feed into inflation and pressure the country’s external accounts.
