125-601: Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) is the first-ever network of civil society networks in Pakistan dedicated to strengthening democracy through methodically-enacted observation and oversight of electoral, parliamentary, and governance processes. As many as 20 regional networks of over 500 tehsil-level civil society organizations are part of FAFEN, establishing its unmatched outreach to communities of people belonging to all classes, ethnicities, and religions across Pakistan. FAFEN ’s work since its inception in 2006, has made it one of
250-450: A Pew Research Center (PEW) poll, favor Sharia law as the official law, and 94 percent of them identify more with religion than nationality compared to Muslims in other nations. Pakistan, a federal parliamentary republic , consists of four provinces : Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, and Balochistan, along with three territories : Islamabad Capital Territory , Gilgit-Baltistan , and Azad Kashmir . The Government of Pakistan governs
375-542: A military coup in 1977 against the leftist PPP, which saw General Zia-ul-Haq become the president in 1978. From 1977 to 1988, President Zia's corporatisation and economic Islamisation initiatives led to Pakistan becoming one of the fastest-growing economies in South Asia. While building up the country's nuclear program , increasing Islamisation , and the rise of a homegrown conservative philosophy, Pakistan helped subsidise and distribute US resources to factions of
500-761: A supermajority in elections in 1997, Nawaz Sharif authorised nuclear testings , as a retaliation to the second nuclear tests conducted by India in May 1998. Military tension between the two countries in the Kargil district led to the Kargil War of 1999, and turmoil in civil-military relations allowed General Pervez Musharraf to take over through a bloodless coup d'état . Musharraf governed Pakistan as chief executive from 1999 to 2002 and as president from 2001 to 2008 —a period of enlightenment , social liberalism , extensive economic reforms , and direct involvement in
625-481: A 2019 Forest Landscape Integrity Index mean score of 7.42/10, ranking 41st globally out of 172 countries. Pakistan operates as a democratic parliamentary federal republic , with Islam designated as the state religion . Initially adopting a constitution in 1956 , Pakistan saw it suspended by Ayub Khan in 1958, replaced by a second constitution in 1962. A comprehensive constitution emerged in 1973, suspended by Zia-ul-Haq in 1977 but reinstated in 1985, shaping
750-408: A blend of socialism , conservatism , and the third way , with the three main political parties being the conservative PML (N), socialist PPP, and centrist PTI. Constitutional amendments in 2010 curtailed presidential powers, enhancing the role of the prime minister. Pakistan, the only country established in the name of Islam, had overwhelming support among Muslims, especially in provinces like
875-569: A cool, dry winter from December through February; a hot, dry spring from March through May; the summer rainy season, or southwest monsoon period, from June through September; and the retreating monsoon period of October and November. Rainfall varies greatly from year to year, with patterns of alternate flooding and drought common. The diverse landscape and climate in Pakistan support a wide range of trees and plants. From coniferous alpine and subalpine trees like spruce , pine , and deodar cedar in
1000-604: A devastating cyclone in East Pakistan resulting in 500,000 deaths. In 1970, Pakistan conducted its first democratic elections since independence, intending to transition from military rule to democracy. However, after the East Pakistani Awami League emerged victorious over the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Yahya Khan and the military refused to transfer power. This led to Operation Searchlight ,
1125-716: A military crackdown, and eventually sparked the war of liberation by Bengali Mukti Bahini forces in East Pakistan, described in West Pakistan as a civil war rather than a liberation struggle. Independent researchers estimate that between 300,000 and 500,000 civilians died during this period while the Bangladesh government puts the number of dead at three million, a figure that is now nearly universally regarded as excessively inflated. Some academics such as Rudolph Rummel and Rounaq Jahan say both sides committed genocide; others such as Richard Sisson and Leo E. Rose believe there
1250-502: A point of advocacy that FAFEN held since General Elections in 2008. The electoral reforms enacted in 2017 translated into a more responsive Election Commission of Pakistan , which unlike previous elections, efficiently processed accreditation of FAFEN observers. It was FAFEN's observers who raised alarm bells from 80 neighborhoods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Punjab and Sindh where women were being barred from participating in
1375-548: A population of over 241.5 million, having the second-largest Muslim population as of 2023. Islamabad is the nation's capital, while Karachi is its largest city and financial centre . Pakistan is the 33rd-largest country by area . Bounded by the Arabian Sea on the south, the Gulf of Oman on the southwest, and the Sir Creek on the southeast, it shares land borders with India to
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#17328695096491500-460: A result of a coalition between PML (N) and PPPP. Pakistan's diverse geography and climate host a wide array of wildlife . Covering 881,913 km (340,509 sq mi), Pakistan's size is comparable to France and the UK combined. It ranks as the 33rd-largest nation by total area , but this varies based on Kashmir's disputed status. Pakistan boasts a 1,046 km (650 mi) coastline along
1625-418: A unique and user-friendly portal was the unavailability of consolidated election-related information at a single forum. Trust for Democratic Education and Accountability - FAFEN makes this information online and accessible to everyone and formed the country's most comprehensive election history portal electionpakistan.com. The portal has been designed to provide reliable and up-to-date election information for
1750-800: A united Islamic bloc, called Islamistan, wasn't supported by other Muslim governments, though figures like the Grand Mufti of Palestine, Al-Haj Amin al-Husseini , and leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood were drawn to the country. Pakistan's desire for an international organization of Muslim countries was fulfilled in the 1970s when the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) was formed. East Pakistan's Bengali Muslims, opposed to an Islamist state, clashed with West Pakistanis who leaned towards Islamic identity. The Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami backed an Islamic state and opposed Bengali nationalism . After
1875-742: Is an ethnically and linguistically diverse country, with similarly diverse geography and wildlife . The country continues to face challenges, including poverty , illiteracy , corruption , and terrorism . Pakistan is a member of the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation , the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation , the Commonwealth of Nations , the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation , and
2000-467: Is an independent, autonomous, permanent and constitutionally established federal body responsible for organizing and conducting elections to the national parliament , provincial legislatures, local governments , and the office of president of Pakistan , as well as the delimitation of constituencies and preparation of electoral rolls . As per the principles outlined in the Constitution of Pakistan ,
2125-542: Is being taken up in the form of motions, resolutions and other interjections. The systematic observation allows the generation of daily, sessional, annual and thematic reports as well as performance scorecards of 1,174 legislators on Open Parliament web portal (www.openparliament.pk). The repository includes profiles and performance details of 104 Senators, 342 Members of National Assembly (MNAs) and 728 Members of four Provincial Assemblies (MPAs) along with their nomination papers and Statements of Assets and Liabilities submitted to
2250-544: Is both a Persian and Urdu word... It means the land of the Paks, the spiritually pure and clean." Etymologists note that پاک pāk , is 'pure' in Persian and Pashto and the Persian suffix ـستان -stan means 'land' or 'place of'. Rahmat Ali's concept of Pakistan only related to the northwestern area of the Indian subcontinent . He also proposed the name "Banglastan" for
2375-438: Is considered a middle power nation, with the world's sixth-largest standing armed forces . It is a declared nuclear-weapons state , and is ranked amongst the emerging and growth-leading economies, with a large and rapidly growing middle class. Pakistan's political history since independence has been characterized by periods of significant economic and military growth as well as those of political and economic instability. It
2500-463: Is directly observed, with objective observation data disseminated among relevant stakeholders in the form of daily factsheets (produced within two hours after the end of each sitting), analytical reports, press releases and recommendations to improve parliamentary processes. Trust for Democratic Education and Accountability - FAFEN follows the same methodology for the legislatures of Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan. In order to share
2625-658: Is divided into three major geographic areas: the northern highlands, the Indus River plain, and the Balochistan Plateau. The northern highlands feature the Karakoram , Hindu Kush , and Pamir mountain ranges, hosting some of the world's highest peaks, including five of the fourteen eight-thousanders (mountain peaks over 8,000 metres or 26,250 feet), notably K2 (8,611 m or 28,251 ft) and Nanga Parbat (8,126 m or 26,660 ft). The Balochistan Plateau lies in
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#17328695096492750-632: Is provided by the federal government . Any re-appropriation within the sanctioned budget can be done by the Chief Election Commissioner without making any reference to the Finance Division. Funds required for preparation of electoral rolls and the conduct of General Elections and by-elections are provided in lump sum by the Finance Division according to the requirements of the Election Commission. Further distribution of funds to
2875-553: Is the first form that is directly transmitted to the ECP's central election management office upon completion. Form 48 , also referred to as Final Consolidated Result , is used for compiling the election results for an electoral constituency within seven days of polling. It is issued after the relevant RO invites the candidates or their nominated representatives for a final tabulation. In this consolidation, postal ballots are also included, contested and rejected votes are rechecked, as well as
3000-850: Is the only animal found in significant numbers in Cholistan , with a few nilgai along the Pakistan–India border and in some parts of Cholistan. Rare animals include the snow leopard and the blind Indus river dolphin , of which there are believed to be about 1,816 remaining, protected at the Indus Dolphin Reserve in Sindh. In total, 174 species of mammals, 177 species of reptiles, 22 species of amphibians, 198 species of freshwater fish, 668 species of birds, over 5,000 species of insects, and over 5,700 species of plants have been recorded in Pakistan. Pakistan faces deforestation, hunting, and pollution, with
3125-747: The Anglo-Sikh Wars (1845–1849), and the Anglo-Afghan Wars (1839–1919). By 1893, all modern Pakistan was part of the British Indian Empire , and remained so until independence in 1947. Under British rule, modern Pakistan was primarily divided into the Sind Division , Punjab Province , and the Baluchistan Agency . The region also included various princely states , with the largest being Bahawalpur . The major armed struggle against
3250-1077: The Bronze Age , and the ancient Gandhara civilisation . The regions that compose the modern state of Pakistan were the realm of multiple empires and dynasties, including the Gandhāra , the Achaemenid , the Maurya , the Kushan , the Parthian , the Paratarajas , the Gupta ; the Umayyad Caliphate in its southern regions, the Hindu Shahis , the Ghaznavids , the Delhi Sultanate , the Samma ,
3375-556: The Durrani Empire of Afghanistan in 1759. The growing political power of the British in Bengal had not yet reached the territories of modern Pakistan. None of modern Pakistan was under British rule until 1839 when Karachi , a small fishing village governed by Talpurs of Sindh with a mud fort guarding the harbour, was taken , and used as an enclave with a port and military base for
3500-612: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) . FAFEN has earned an excellent reputation among various stakeholders, including the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and has been recognized as an authentic organization among political parties, civil society organizations, international community, academia, and the media. After the General Elections 2013 various political parties levelled multiple charges of rigging, on which
3625-594: The Election Commission of Pakistan . The observation information, available on the Open Parliament web portal, enables citizens, media, civil society, and other relevant stakeholders to access and appraise the performance of elected bodies and their representatives. Pakistan Pakistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan , is a country in South Asia . It is the fifth-most populous country , with
3750-704: The First Afghan War that ensued. The remainder of Sindh was acquired in 1843, and subsequently, through a series of wars and treaties, the East India Company , and later, after the post- Sepoy Mutiny (1857–1858), direct rule by Queen Victoria of the British Empire , acquired most of the region. Key conflicts included those against the Baloch Talpur dynasty , resolved by the Battle of Miani (1843) in Sindh,
3875-591: The Greco-Buddhist culture in the region. Taxila had one of the earliest universities and centres of higher education in the world, which was established during the late Vedic period in the 6th century BCE. The ancient university was documented by the invading forces of Alexander the Great and was also recorded by Chinese pilgrims in the 4th or 5th century CE. At its zenith, the Rai dynasty (489–632 CE) ruled Sindh and
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4000-620: The Indian pangolin , the jungle cat , and the sand cat . Indus is home to mugger crocodiles , while surrounding areas host wild boars , deer, and porcupines . Central Pakistan's sandy scrublands shelter Asiatic jackals, striped hyenas , wildcats, and leopards . The mountainous north hosts a variety of animals like the Marco Polo sheep , urial , markhor goat, ibex goat, Asian black bear , and Himalayan brown bear . The lack of vegetative cover, severe climate, and grazing impact on deserts have endangered wild animals. The chinkara
4125-729: The Islamic Military Counter-Terrorism Coalition , and is designated as a major non-NATO ally by the United States. The name Pakistan was coined by Choudhry Rahmat Ali , a Pakistan Movement activist, who in January 1933 first published it (originally as "Pakstan") in a pamphlet Now or Never , using it as an acronym . Rahmat Ali explained: "It is composed of letters taken from the names of all our homelands, Indian and Asian, P anjab , A fghania , K ashmir , S indh , and Baluchis tan ." He added, "Pakistan
4250-678: The North-West Frontier Province , West Punjab , and Sindh. In the riots that accompanied the partition in Punjab Province, between 200,000 and 2,000,000 people were killed in what some have described as a retributive genocide between the religions. Around 50,000 Muslim women were abducted and raped by Hindu and Sikh men, while 33,000 Hindu and Sikh women experienced the same fate at the hands of Muslims. Around 6.5 million Muslims moved from India to West Pakistan and 4.7 million Hindus and Sikhs moved from West Pakistan to India. It
4375-977: The Shah Miris , the Mughals , the Durranis , the Sikhs and most recently, the British Raj from 1858 to 1947. Spurred by the Pakistan Movement , which sought a homeland for the Muslims of British India , and election victories in 1946 by the All-India Muslim League , Pakistan gained independence in 1947 after the Partition of the British Indian Empire , which awarded separate statehood to its Muslim-majority regions and
4500-522: The Supreme Court of Pakistan had formed a Judicial Commission to investigate the matter. FAFEN was the only civil society organization, which was summoned by the Supreme Court of Pakistan to share its election observation findings. FAFEN has trained and mobilized hundreds and thousands of citizens to observe various processes of elections in Pakistan. During elections, the trained and non-partisan citizen election observers report back various processes of
4625-578: The United Provinces , where Muslims were a minority. This idea, articulated by the Muslim League, the Islamic clergy , and Jinnah, envisioned an Islamic state . Jinnah, closely associated with the ulama , was described upon his death by Maulana Shabbir Ahmad Usmani as the greatest Muslim after Aurangzeb , aspiring to unite Muslims worldwide under Islam. The Objectives Resolution of March 1949 marked
4750-531: The Vedic period (1500–500 BCE), bringing with them their distinctive religious traditions and practices which fused with local culture. The Indo-Aryans religious beliefs and practices from the Bactria–Margiana culture and the native Harappan Indus beliefs of the former Indus Valley civilization eventually gave rise to Vedic culture and tribes. Most notable among them was Gandhara civilization , which flourished at
4875-658: The most votes in the elections of 2008, appointing party member Yusuf Raza Gilani as Prime Minister. Threatened with impeachment , President Musharraf resigned on 18 August 2008, and was succeeded by Asif Ali Zardari . Clashes with the judicature prompted Gilani's disqualification from the Parliament and as the Prime Minister in June 2012. The general election held in 2013 saw the PML (N) achieve victory, following which Nawaz Sharif
5000-446: The mujahideen against the USSR 's intervention in communist Afghanistan . Pakistan's North-West Frontier Province became a base for the anti-Soviet Afghan fighters, with the province's influential Deobandi ulama playing a significant role in encouraging and organising the 'jihad'. President Zia died in a plane crash in 1988, and Benazir Bhutto , daughter of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto,
5125-508: The secretary-general of the party , the nation's first Prime Minister . From 1947 to 1956, Pakistan was a monarchy within the Commonwealth of Nations, and had two monarchs before it became a republic. The creation of Pakistan was never fully accepted by many British leaders including Lord Mountbatten . Mountbatten expressed his lack of support and faith in the Muslim League's idea of Pakistan. Jinnah refused Mountbatten's offer to serve as Governor-General of Pakistan. When Mountbatten
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5250-414: The two-nation theory and led to the establishment of the All-India Muslim League in 1906. In March 1929, in response to the Nehru Report , Muhammad Ali Jinnah , the founder of Pakistan, issued his fourteen points , which included proposals to safeguard the interests of the Muslim minority in a united India. These proposals were rejected. In his December 29, 1930 address, Allama Iqbal advocated
5375-407: The western parts of the Kashmir Region , organized into separate political entities, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. In 2009, the constitutional assignment ( the Gilgit–Baltistan Empowerment and Self-Governance Order ) granted Gilgit-Baltistan semi-provincial status , providing it with self-government. Election Commission of Pakistan The Election Commission of Pakistan ( ECP )
5500-485: The 1970 general elections, the Parliament crafted the 1973 Constitution . It declared Pakistan an Islamic Republic, with Islam as the state religion, and mandated laws to comply with Islamic teachings laid down in the Quran and Sunnah and that no law repugnant to such injunctions could be enacted. Additionally, it established institutions like the Shariat Court and the Council of Islamic Ideology to interpret and apply Islam. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto faced opposition under
5625-426: The Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman, and shares land borders totaling 6,774 km (4,209 mi), including 2,430 km (1,510 mi) with Afghanistan, 523 km (325 mi) with China, 2,912 km (1,809 mi) with India, and 909 km (565 mi) with Iran. It has a maritime border with Oman, and shares a border with Tajikistan via the Wakhan Corridor . Situated at the crossroads of South Asia,
5750-441: The British announced their intention to end rule by June 1948. Following rigorous discussions involving Viceroy of India , Lord Mountbatten of Burma , Muhammad Ali Jinnah of the All-India Muslim League , and Jawaharlal Nehru of Congress, the formal declaration to partition British India into two independent dominions—namely Pakistan and India—was issued by Mountbatten on the evening of 3 June 1947. In Mountbatten's oval office,
5875-427: The British in the region was the rebellion known as the Sepoy Mutiny in 1857. Divergence in the relationship between Hinduism and Islam resulted in significant tension in British India , leading to religious violence. The language controversy further exacerbated tensions between Hindus and Muslims. A Muslim intellectual movement , led by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan to counter the Hindu renaissance , advocated for
6000-405: The Commission makes such arrangements as needed to ensure that the election is conducted honestly, justly, fairly and in accordance with law, and guard against corrupt practices. The Election Commission was formed on 23 March 1956. The Chief Election Commissioner and four Members, each from one of the four provinces ( Punjab , Sindh , Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa ) of the country, form
6125-445: The Commission. The President of Pakistan appoints the Chief Election Commissioner and four members of Election Commission. The Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly recommends three names for appointment of CEC and for each Member to a parliamentary committee for hearing and confirmation of any one person against each post. The commission transacts its business by holding meetings. All members of
6250-408: The Election Commission have equal status and say in the decisions of the Commission. Judicial review of the decisions of the Election Commission can be sought in the High Courts and the Supreme Court of Pakistan if the order suffers from a jurisdictional defect or is mala fide —in bad faith —or is coram non judice , that is, performed without jurisdiction. The budget of the Election Commission
6375-503: The Election-Day, thousands of Pakistani men and women observed female and male polling booths and stations using a tailored manual and reporting format. An additional 4,000 mobile observers visited as many as 30,000 polling stations, making the 2008 national and provincial assembly elections the most closely watched in Pakistani history, despite widespread security concerns and enormous logistical obstacles. FAFEN observed Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly (GBLA) on November 12, 2009, that
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#17328695096496500-431: The Great conquered the region by defeating various local rulers, most notably, the King Porus , at Jhelum . It was followed by the Maurya Empire , founded by Chandragupta Maurya and extended by Ashoka the Great , until 185 BCE. The Indo-Greek Kingdom founded by Demetrius of Bactria (180–165 BCE) included Gandhara and Punjab and reached its greatest extent under Menander (165–150 BCE), prospering
6625-411: The High Court. The Supreme Court of Pakistan has since then consistently followed this judgment. The ECP has a four-member panel from all the four provinces ( Punjab , Sindh , Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa ) and four Provincial Election Commissioners. The Commission transacts its business by holding meetings. All members of the Election Commission have equal status and say in the decisions of
6750-401: The Indian National Congress, initially skeptical of the League's representation of Indian Muslims, to acknowledge its significance. Jinnah's emergence as the voice of the Indian Muslims, compelled the British to consider their stance, despite their reluctance to partition India . In a final attempt to prevent partition, they proposed the Cabinet Mission Plan . As the Cabinet Mission failed,
6875-558: The Middle East, and Central Asia, Pakistan's location is geopolitically significant. Geologically, Pakistan straddles the Indus–Tsangpo Suture Zone and the Indian tectonic plate in Sindh and Punjab, while Balochistan and most of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa sit on the Eurasian Plate , primarily on the Iranian plateau . Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, along the Indian plate's edge, are susceptible to powerful earthquakes . Pakistan's landscapes vary from coastal plains to glaciated mountains, offering deserts, forests, hills, and plateaus. Pakistan
7000-441: The Mughal period were Multan , Lahore , Peshawar and Thatta , which were chosen as the site of impressive Mughal buildings . In the early 16th century, the region remained under the Mughal Empire . In the 18th century, the slow disintegration of the Mughal Empire was hastened by the emergence of the rival powers of the Maratha Confederacy and later the Sikh Empire , as well as invasions by Nader Shah from Iran in 1739 and
7125-451: The Muslim areas of Bengal and "Osmanistan" for Hyderabad State , as well as a political federation between the three. Some of the earliest ancient human civilisations in South Asia originated from areas encompassing present-day Pakistan. The earliest known inhabitants in the region were Soanian during the Lower Paleolithic , of whom artefacts have been found in the Soan Valley of Punjab . The Indus region , which covers most of
7250-452: The Pakistan Resolution. By 1942, Britain faced considerable strain during World War II , with India directly threatened by Japanese forces. Britain had pledged voluntary independence for India in exchange for support during the war. However, this pledge included a clause stating that no part of British India would be compelled to join the resulting dominion, which could be interpreted as support for an independent Muslim nation. Congress under
7375-426: The State." — Muhammad Ali Jinnah 's first speech to the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan. Maulana Shabbir Ahmad Usmani , a respected Deobandi alim (scholar) who held the position of Shaykh al-Islam in Pakistan in 1949, and Maulana Mawdudi of Jamaat-i-Islami played key roles in advocating for an Islamic constitution. Mawdudi insisted that the Constituent Assembly declare the "supreme sovereignty of God" and
7500-411: The US-led war on terrorism . By its own financial calculations, Pakistan's involvement in the war on terrorism has cost up to $ 118 billion, over eighty one thousand casualties , and more than 1.8 million displaced civilians. The National Assembly historically completed its first full five-year term on 15 November 2007. After the assassination of Benazir Bhutto in 2007, the PPP secured
7625-413: The United Kingdom agreed to the partitioning of India , the modern state of Pakistan was established on 14 August 1947 (27th of Ramadan in 1366 of the Islamic Calendar , considered to be the most blessed date from an Islamic perspective) . This new nation amalgamated the Muslim-majority eastern and northwestern regions of British India , comprising the provinces of Balochistan , East Bengal ,
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#17328695096497750-400: The World as to declared said service for public at large keeping the highest standards of individual privacy and security of the data. So far now, about more than 300 million hits received over 8300 SMS and people checked their voting details. The functions and duties of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) are defined and set by the Constitution of Pakistan in Article 219, which charges
7875-645: The World. The London based international organization named as International Centre for Parliamentary Studies (ICPS) awarded ECP/Pakistan two International Awards i.e ‘Use of Innovative Technology Award’ and ‘Accessibility Award’ in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, December 2013 during an international competition. Similarly, another international award was given to the ECP on preparing voters list following international standards based on Unique Identifier i.e CNIC (One CNIC, One Vote) in Cape Town, South Africa, December 2014. The Commonwealth organization in its Report March, 2020 ("Cybersecurity in Elections") acknowledged and appreciated
8000-468: The amalgamation of Muslim-majority states in North-West India, including Punjab , North-West Frontier Province , Sind , and Baluchistan . The perception that Congress-led British provincial governments neglected the Muslim League from 1937 to 1939 motivated Jinnah and other Muslim League leaders to embrace the two-nation theory. This led to the adoption of the Lahore Resolution of 1940, presented by Sher-e-Bangla A.K. Fazlul Haque , also known as
8125-509: The banner of Nizam-e-Mustafa ("Rule of the Prophet "), advocating an Islamic state. Bhutto conceded to some Islamist demands before being ousted in a coup. General Zia-ul-Haq, after seizing power, committed to establishing an Islamic state and enforcing sharia law. He instituted Shariat judicial courts, and court benches, to adjudicate using Islamic doctrine. Zia aligned with Deobandi institutions, exacerbating sectarian tensions with anti-Shia policies. Most Pakistanis, according to
8250-423: The biggest voters’ database, comprising more than 128.8 million voters for mobile customers of 190 million in the country . Currently, more than 128.8 million database of voters are placed on ECP’s prestigious SMS (8300) for over 190 million mobile customers of the country. The said service is highly secured and available 24/7/365. London based ICPS awarded two International Awards to ECP (Pakistan) being pioneer in
8375-440: The by-elections decided by the Election Commission itself. The commission also prepares polling schemes, appoints polling personnel, assigns voters and arranges for the maintenance of law and order. In its ruling in the case Election Commission v. Javed Hashmi , the Supreme Court held that "in the election matters the Election Tribunals which are to be appointed by the Chief Election Commissioner" have exclusive jurisdiction and
8500-433: The commission with the following duties: For the purpose of each national general election to the State Parliament ( National Assembly ) and to a Provincial legislatures ( Sindh , Punjab , Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa , and Balochistan ), an Election Commission shall be constituted in accordance with the Article 239G. It shall be the duty of the Election Commission constituted in relation to an election to organize and conduct
8625-561: The concerned returning officer (RO) for consolidation with other such forms for an electoral district, as well as being prominently displayed at the relevant polling station. Form 46 , also referred to as Ballot Paper Account , is to track the logistics of ballot papers at a polling station. It records the number of ballot papers that were received at the polling station, the number that were issued, and accounts for any ballots that were challenged, spoiled, or voided. The form also highlights any irregularities that may have occurred during
8750-466: The consolidation is resealed in temper-evident bags . Form 49 , also known as the Gazetted Form , declares the official election results. The form lists the names of the candidates, their affiliated political parties, and the total votes each candidate received in the constituency. It is issued by the ECP and published in The Gazette of Pakistan , within 14 days of the close of polling, after Form 48s are received for all electoral districts where
8875-476: The country worked towards promulgating its constitution and putting the country on the road to democracy. In 1972 Pakistan embarked on an ambitious plan to develop its nuclear deterrence capability with the goal of preventing any foreign invasion ; the country's first nuclear power plant was inaugurated in that same year. India's first nuclear test in 1974 gave Pakistan additional justification to accelerate its nuclear program . Democracy ended with
9000-523: The country's governance. The military's influence in mainstream politics has been significant throughout Pakistan's history. The eras of 1958–1971, 1977–1988 , and 1999–2008 witnessed military coups , leading to martial law and military leaders governing de facto as presidents. Presently, Pakistan operates a multi-party parliamentary system , with distinct checks and balances among government branches. The first successful democratic transition occurred in May 2013. Pakistani politics revolves around
9125-637: The crossroads of India, Central Asia, and the Middle East, connecting trade routes and absorbing cultural influences from diverse civilizations. The initial early Vedic culture was a tribal, pastoral society centered in the Indus Valley, of what is today Pakistan. During this period, the Vedas , the oldest scriptures of Hinduism , were composed. The western regions of Pakistan became part of Achaemenid Empire around 517 BCE. In 326 BCE, Alexander
9250-624: The district administration, profiling of District Coordinators, constituency Coordinators and Election Day observers, deployment plans of election day observers, election day reporting sheets and election day result management. To process huge amount of accreditation cards for Election Day observer TDEA - FAFEN IT team deployed another efficient module which only deals with the processing of accreditations cards not only for its owe over 43,000 election observers but also cards for other domestic and international mission and local and international media at Secretariat of Election Commission of Pakistan . With
9375-588: The east ; Afghanistan to the west ; Iran to the southwest ; and China to the northeast . It shares a maritime border with Oman in the Gulf of Oman, and is separated from Tajikistan in the northwest by Afghanistan's narrow Wakhan Corridor . Pakistan is the site of several ancient cultures , including the 8,500-year-old Neolithic site of Mehrgarh in Balochistan , the Indus Valley Civilisation of
9500-468: The efficacy of the coordination mechanism that was specially set up by the Election Commission of Pakistan for FAFEN to share its observation findings and reports. FAFEN's Election-Day observation was particularly significant in terms of contributing to political stability after most political parties raised concerns at the result management process, alleging that the election outcomes were rigged. The pre-election and election-day reports did not only quantify
9625-476: The elected Houses assesses their performance on the parameters of Participation, Output, Representation, Responsiveness, Transparency, Accessibility, and Order & Institutionalization. Based on the respective rules of business and procedures of each elected House, the observation checklists have been designed in a way that helps generate quantitative information as the level of participation (both in terms of time and quality) of legislators and quantities information
9750-428: The election and to make such arrangements as are necessary to ensure that the election is conducted honestly, justly, fairly and in accordance with law, and that corrupt practices are guarded against. The Commission retains full financial autonomy and independence from all government control. Without government interference, the commission performs its functions and conduct of nationwide general elections, as well as for
9875-618: The election on a specified format. These remarkable men and women brave security odds, scorching temperatures and rugged terrains to provide objective and independent information about the quality of the electoral process to the Pakistani citizens as well as the international community. To observe the General Elections 2008 , FAFEN began training long-term observer coordinators in 264 (out of 272) National Assembly constituencies in September 2007. FAFEN's observation of February 18, 2008 general election
10000-534: The election process as well as voting. Timely reporting by FAFEN prompted ECP to take immediate actions in these areas to ensure women were allowed to vote. A small step forward but the GE-2018 did not have any incident of 0% percent turnout at any female polling stations unlike 2013 when there were 595 polling stations and 564 in 2008 where no women turned out to vote. This was one of several meaningful remedial actions that ECP had initiated on FAFEN's reporting, establishing
10125-424: The election records of more than 62,506 candidates in it. Besides, the portal has the scalability to synchronize the candidates’ election records that reflect the election records of contesting candidates. The portal also contains the records of more than 7,300 unique constituencies of National & Provincial Assemblies. Trust for Democratic Education and Accountability - Free and Fair Election Network carried out
10250-400: The election results by detailing the number of votes that were rejected and provides a preliminary count of the votes each candidate received, based on the unofficial results from the constituency. By law, the consolidation of the count happens in front of the candidates or their nominated representatives, as well as any independent observers present. Form 47 does not include postal ballots and
10375-573: The enormous elections data in a professional manner. EIMS aimed to increase the public trust in the conduct and quality of the elections in the country through real-time election monitoring and dissemination of election-related information. Due to efficient and reliable system, Trust for Democratic Education and Accountability - FAFEN secretariat was able to receive and manage the all phase's observation data such as incidents, reports, interviews and profiling of contesting candidates, interviews with voters, interviews with election officials and officers of
10500-729: The extent to which the Election Commission of Pakistan transparently released official forms from all 69,801 polling stations and all 272 National Assembly (NA) constituencies across Pakistan, as urged by both FAFEN and the European Union Election Observation Mission (EUEOM) in public statements. The Election Commission of Pakistan established a total of 63,860 polling stations for the Local Government elections 2015 in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Punjab and Sindh. FAFEN
10625-703: The five-member panel of the Election Commission. The current Chief Election Commissioner of Pakistan is Sikandar Sultan Raja . The General Elections 2018 and General Elections 2024 were performed under the Elections Act 2017, which was passed by the National Assembly on 2 October 2017. Based on recommendation, the Hon’ Election Commission made available Voters’ data (Electoral Rolls) on 8300 Short Message Service (SMS) gained national and international acceptance and appreciation by making Pakistan pioneer in
10750-532: The gap between elected Houses and citizens to inculcate an informed public and political discourse on various aspects of legislative governance in Pakistan. The observation tools and methodology, which were piloted in the National Assembly (Lower House of the national parliament) in 2008, was scaled up to cover the Senate (Upper House of the national parliament) in 2011 and Provincial Assemblies of all provinces in 2012. FAFEN's systematic observation of on-floor proceedings of
10875-492: The huge observation data set with the public, TDEA - FAFEN has designed an online portal called “OpenParliament.pk”. The website covers all facets of legislative information, including data about the past and ongoing proceedings of each assembly, as well as performance scorecards and reported assets and liabilities of national and provincial elected representatives. The Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) has been conducting unique parliamentary observation since 2008, bridging
11000-518: The initial step towards this goal, affirming God as the sole sovereign. Muslim League leader Chaudhry Khaliquzzaman asserted that Pakistan could only truly become an Islamic state after bringing all believers of Islam into a single political unit. Keith Callard observed that Pakistanis believed in the essential unity of purpose and outlook in the Muslim world, expecting similar views on religion and nationality from Muslims worldwide. Pakistan's desire for
11125-449: The jurisdiction of all courts in such matters was excluded. However, this is subject to an exception when there is no legal remedy is available to an aggrieved party during the process of election or after its completion and is against an order of an election functionary which is patently illegal jurisdiction, the effect of which is to disenfranchise a candidate. In such a case, candidate can press into service Constitutional jurisdiction of
11250-407: The largest election observation in General Elections 2013, over 43,000 mobile and statics trained independent observers were deployed across the country. As part of the institutional capacity building and strengthening the transparency of the election process in Pakistan, FAFEN indigenously designed user-friendly Election Information Management System (EIMS) helped TDEA - FAFEN secretariat to manage
11375-505: The leadership of Mahatma Gandhi launched the Quit India Movement , demanding an immediate end to British rule. In contrast, the Muslim League chose to support the UK's war efforts , thereby nurturing the possibility of establishing a Muslim nation. The 1946 elections saw the Muslim League secure 90 percent of the Muslim seats, supported by the landowners of Sindh and Punjab. This forced
11500-537: The limits prescribed by Him is a sacred trust". It was later included as a preamble to the constitutions of 1956, 1962, and 1973. Democracy faced setbacks due to the martial law imposed by President Iskander Mirza , who was succeeded by General Ayub Khan . After adopting a presidential system in 1962, Pakistan witnessed significant growth until the second war with India in 1965, resulting in an economic downturn and widespread public discontent in 1967. In 1969, President Yahya Khan consolidated control, but faced
11625-473: The most credible voices in the country for responsive, transparent, accountable, and efficient electoral, legislative, and local governance.So far, FAFEN has observed the General Elections in 2008 , 2013 and 2018 , Local Government Elections in 2015, and Legislative Assembly Elections in Gilgit-Baltistan in 2009 and 2015, with active support of its partner organizations as well as duly accreditation from
11750-790: The northern mountains to deciduous trees like shisham in the Sulaiman Mountains , and palms such as coconut and date in the southern regions. The western hills boast juniper , tamarisk , coarse grasses, and scrub plants. Mangrove forests dominate the coastal wetlands in the south. Coniferous forests span altitudes from 1,000 to 4,000 metres (3,300 to 13,100 feet) in most northern and northwestern highlands. In Balochistan's xeric regions, date palms and Ephedra are prevalent. In Punjab and Sindh's Indus plains, tropical and subtropical dry and moist broadleaf forests as well as tropical and xeric shrublands thrive. Approximately 4.8% or 36,845.6 square kilometres (3,684,560 ha) of Pakistan
11875-615: The operational capability of our organization as well as our partners. Such innovative solutions also assist us in sharing real-time data with state institutions such as the Election Commission of Pakistan and the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and with our partner organizations for effective implementation of activities in the field. Trust for Democratic Education and Accountability - FAFEN managed to collect Pakistani elections data from 1970 to-date from credible and authentic sources. The purpose of developing such
12000-493: The passage of time FAFEN update the Election Information Management System (EIMS) and used in recent General Elections 2018. As part of EIMS, TDEA-FAFEN developed an android-based mobile and web-based application for observers for reporting on the election-day. Only the profiled users were able to log-in through their National Identity Card (NIC) numbers. As many as 21,000 profiled users were registered with
12125-578: The presence of all observers. These materials are then kept at the polling station pending any further statutory use, like in a vote recount. Form 47 , also known as Consolidated Statement of Results of the Count is issued by returning officer (RO) for their respective electoral constituency after they have received Form 45 and 46 from all relevant polling stations. This form used by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to give an early glimpse into
12250-602: The present-day Pakistan, was the site of several successive ancient cultures including the Neolithic (7000–4300 BCE ) site of Mehrgarh , and the 5,000-year history of urban life in South Asia to the various sites of the Indus Valley Civilisation , including Mohenjo-daro and Harappa . Following the decline of the Indus valley civilization, Indo-Aryan tribes moved into the Punjab from Central Asia in several waves of migration in
12375-430: The prime ministers of around a dozen major princely states gathered to receive their copies of the plan before its worldwide broadcast. At 7:00 P.M., All India Radio transmitted the public announcement, starting with the viceroy's address, followed by individual speeches from Nehru, and Jinnah. The founder of Pakistan Muhammad Ali Jinnah concluded his address with the slogan Pakistan Zindabad (Long Live Pakistan). As
12500-522: The quality of election. The observation also enabled a better understanding of citizens of otherwise complex electoral processes and procedures and help them form independent opinions about the electoral outcomes as the country witnessed the second consecutive peaceful democratic transition of power. GE-2018 was unique as it was the first time a legal provision protected the rights of domestic and international observers to have access to polling stations, counting of votes and consolidation of election results –
12625-654: The region, including the Ghaznavid Empire (975–1187 CE), the Ghorid Kingdom, and the Delhi Sultanate (1206–1526 CE). The Lodi dynasty , the last of the Delhi Sultanate, was replaced by the Mughal Empire (1526–1857 CE). The Mughals introduced Persian literature and high culture, establishing the roots of Indo-Persian culture in the region. In the region of modern-day Pakistan, key cities during
12750-428: The result of a vote recount is included, if conducted. According to the relevant law, a recount is conducted on written application of the runner-up candidate provided that the margin of victory is less than 5% of the votes polled or 8,000 votes, whichever is less, or the number of rejected votes exceed the margin of victory. Form 48 is also directly sent to ECP upon completion and any sealed polling material opened for
12875-466: The scale of irregularities but also indicated their material effect on the election outcome, shifting the focus of divisive political discourse from generalized statements on the quality of election to more technical areas that needed greater scrutiny. Tapping the potential of the latest technology to boost innovations and transfer information efficiently, we have mastered the art of developing indigenous information systems and mobile applications to improve
13000-619: The supremacy of the shariah in Pakistan. The efforts of Jamaat-i-Islami and the ulama led to the passage of the Objectives Resolution in March 1949. This resolution, described by Liaquat Ali Khan as the second most significant step in Pakistan's history, affirmed that "sovereignty over the entire universe belongs to God Almighty alone and the authority which He has delegated to the State of Pakistan through its people for being exercised within
13125-417: The surrounding territories. The Arab conqueror Muhammad ibn Qasim conquered Sindh and some regions of Punjab in 711 CE. The Pakistan government's official chronology claims this as the time when the foundation of Pakistan was laid. The Early Medieval period (642–1219 CE) witnessed the spread of Islam in the region. Before the arrival of Islam beginning in the 8th century, the region of Pakistan
13250-538: The system while 18,865 users submitted their reports to TDEA - FAFEN Secretariat through the online facility. Through this application, TDEA - FAFEN received the observation data from 37,001 out of 85,000 polling stations from across the country on election day. Trust for Democratic Education and Accountability - Free and Fair Election Network has been observing the proceedings of the National Assembly and Senate since 2008 and all Provincial Legislatures since 2011. Every sitting of Lower and Upper Houses of Parliament
13375-407: The technological efforts made by the ECP / Pakistan by conducting various pilot projects on Electronic Voting Machines (EVM), Biometric Verification Machines (BVM) and Overseas Voting using Internet mode of voting in appropriated manner. In the same report, The Commonwealth Org also recognized the 8300 SMS service which has been successfully operational since February 2012. The service has been declared
13500-444: The users to draw self-analysis of the election data, cross-examine candidates’ data with the constituencies, statistical data, and other election-related reports and publications. The portal provides complete data of National and Provincial Assemblies’ elections, including the by-elections held between 1970 and to-date. The election portal also provides a complete list of the contesting candidates since 1970. Every user can easily search
13625-461: The various functionaries is done with the approval of the Chief Election Commissioner. Form 45 , often referred to as the Result of the Count , is crucial for giving detailed information at the polling station level. It includes data such as the polling station's identification, the name of the constituency , the total number of registered voters , the total votes cast, and a detailed breakdown of
13750-406: The votes received by each candidate. It bears the signature and thumbprint of the presiding officer of a polling station and his senior-most assistant, as well as the signatures of observing polling agents of each candidate. An original copy of Form 45 is given to each polling agent present, as well as any independent election observers viewing the counting process. The form is then transmitted to
13875-666: The voting and counting processes on the Election-Day. FAFEN observed General Elections 2013 with more than 40,000 citizen observers and issued three short statements on the Election-Day, May 11, and a preliminary statement and report the day after the elections. FAFEN's final analysis was based on the aggregation of comprehensive checklists filled by hand on Election-Day in a statistically-valid random sample of 9,160 polling stations by more than 25,000 static observers and about 15,000 additional mobile observers each visiting two to four polling stations. FAFEN's final analysis also depended on
14000-538: The voting process. Like Form 45, it is issued by the presiding officer of a polling station at the end of a vote count. The form is similarly signed, thumbprinted, and then shared with the polling agents and election observers before finally being transmitted to the RO. After both Form 45 and 46 are issued, the presiding officer seals all polling material, including used and unused ballots, counterfoils, marked voter lists, and challenged ballots, in specially designated envelopes in
14125-660: The west and the Thar Desert in the east. The 1,609 km (1,000 mi) Indus River and its tributaries traverse the nation from Kashmir to the Arabian Sea, sustaining alluvial plains along the Punjab and Sindh regions. The climate varies from tropical to temperate, with arid conditions in the coastal south. There is a monsoon season with frequent flooding due to heavy rainfall, and a dry season with significantly less rainfall or none at all. Pakistan experiences four distinct seasons:
14250-474: The will of Pakistani people to protect the integrity of elections and strengthen democracy on July 25, 2018, when the country held its 11th General Election (GE) in a politically fragmented environment. FAFEN deployed trained, non-partisan citizen observers to observe voting and counting processes at 85% (or 72,089) of all polling stations in 272 National Assembly constituencies – an unparalleled effort to deter electoral fraud and generate independent information on
14375-501: Was able to observe 14,050 (22 percent) of these polling stations – 8,318 in Punjab, 3,212 in Sindh, 2,334 in KP and 186 in ICT. The observers recorded 139,127 irregularities and illegalities in the observed polling stations – averaging 10 violations per polling station. The scope of observation was divided into themes and distinct indicators. More than 16,000 citizen observers were the true expression of
14500-643: Was accompanied by an unparalleled mass migration and loss of life. Initially a Dominion of the British Commonwealth , Pakistan officially drafted its constitution in 1956, and emerged as a declared Islamic republic . In 1971, the exclave of East Pakistan seceded as the new country of Bangladesh after a nine-month-long civil war . In the following four decades, Pakistan has been ruled by governments whose descriptions, although complex, commonly alternated between civilian and military, democratic and authoritarian, relatively secular and Islamist. Pakistan
14625-402: Was asked by Collins and Lapierre if he would have sabotaged Pakistan had he known that Jinnah was dying of tuberculosis, he replied 'most probably'. "You are free; you are free to go to your temples, you are free to go to your mosques or to any other place of worship in this State of Pakistan. You may belong to any religion or caste or creed – that has nothing to do with the business of
14750-472: Was characterized by weak electoral administration, procedural irregularities, erroneous voter lists, and heavy government interference. The competitive election campaign, however, offered fairly equal opportunities to all political and independent contestants. FAFEN deployed 22 trained constituency coordinators and 150 Election-Day observers to observe the Gilgit-Baltistan polls. Trained FAFEN observers visited more than 600 of 1,022 polling stations (59%) to observe
14875-400: Was elected as Prime Minister for the third time. In 2018, PTI won the general election and Imran Khan became the 22nd Prime Minister. In April 2022, Shehbaz Sharif was elected as prime minister, after Imran Khan lost a no-confidence vote. During 2024 general election , PTI-backed independents became the largest bloc, but Shehbaz Sharif was elected prime minister for a second term, as
15000-446: Was elected as the country's first female Prime Minister. The PPP was followed by conservative Pakistan Muslim League (N) (PML (N)), and over the next decade the leaders of the two parties fought for power, alternating in office. This period is marked by prolonged stagflation , political instability, corruption , misgovernment, geopolitical rivalry with India, and the clash of left wing - right wing ideologies. As PML (N) secured
15125-461: Was forested in 2021. Pakistan's fauna mirrors its diverse climate. The country boasts around 668 bird species, including crows , sparrows , mynas , hawks , falcons , and eagles . Palas, Kohistan , is home to the western tragopan , with many migratory birds visiting from Europe, Central Asia, and India. The southern plains harbor mongooses , small Indian civet , hares, the Asiatic jackal ,
15250-419: Was helped by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) which accredited 20,000 domestic national election observers to observe all processes of the election all over the country. The Network's strategy was for 16,000 paired stationary observers to monitor a random sample of about 8,000 (out of 64,000) polling stations all day, collecting detailed information about voting, counting, and compilation of results. On
15375-573: Was home to a diverse plethora of faiths, including Hinduism , Buddhism , Jainism and Zoroastrianism . During this period, Sufi missionaries played a pivotal role in converting a majority of the regional population to Islam. Upon the defeat of the Turk and Hindu Shahi dynasties which governed the Kabul Valley , Gandhara (present-day Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), and western Punjab in the 7th to 11th centuries CE, several successive Muslim empires ruled over
15500-402: Was no genocide. In response to India's support for the insurgency in East Pakistan, preemptive strikes on India by Pakistan's air force , navy , and marines sparked a conventional war in 1971 that resulted in an Indian victory and East Pakistan gaining independence as Bangladesh . With Pakistan surrendering in the war, Yahya Khan was replaced by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto as president;
15625-599: Was the largest mass migration in human history. A subsequent dispute over the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir eventually sparked the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947–1948 . After independence in 1947, Jinnah, the President of the Muslim League, became Pakistan's first Governor-General and the first President-Speaker of the Parliament , but he succumbed to tuberculosis on 11 September 1948. Meanwhile, Pakistan's founding fathers agreed to appoint Liaquat Ali Khan ,
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