Islamabad, 10 Feb (HS):- Pakistan’s people have favoured founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) supported candidates, even when its founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan is in jail. The Election Commission has frozen the party symbol (cricket bat). Out of the 250 seats for the National Assembly the results of which were announced, PTI-supported candidates have won 91. The nearest rivals Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) led by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif bagged 71, while the Pakistan People’s Party of Bilawal Zardari Bhutto could muster 53 seats. JUIF could win only two seats, while others have 33.

Imran Khan is in jail and has been banned from contesting elections and holding any official position. His party leaders contested the elections as independent candidates, as the party symbol was not allowed to be used.

With the results of 250 out of 265 seats announced it is clear that none has the majority of 133 seats to form the government. PML-N had formed the government in alliance with PPP after Imran Khan was ousted. Bilawal was offered the ministry of Foreign Affairs by Shehhaz Nawaz.

A large-scale rigging was alleged in the polling. Sporadic violence also occurred during and before the elections.

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Hindusthan Samachar/ Ajay Mardikar/ Mukund/Indrani