Amid intense political developments, Pakistan is all set to hold the General Elections on 08 February. Out of over 90,000 polling stations across the four provinces (Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Baluchistan), 27,628 are categorized as sensitive and 18,437 as most sensitive stations. Though the detailed list of these stations cannot be ascertained, voters must SMS their NIC number (no spaces) to 8300 for details of constituency and location of respective polling booth.

Pressure from military, stringent actions against former Prime Minister Imran Khan and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), frequent political protests, and an overt backing for Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) have turned the situation in Pakistan quite tense. Elaborate security checks and heightened deployments have been made. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has also announced a public holiday for 08 February. Additionally, all educational institutions are to remain closed between 06-09 February. Given the ongoing political chaos in Pakistan, the risk of poll violence and related escalations cannot be ruled out, therefore, it is necessary for organizations to remain adequately prepared for contingencies.

Front Runners in the Elections

Political Party	Symbol	Leader	Leader name	Political Wing
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN)			Nawaz Sharif	Centre
PTI affiliates			Members are running as independent candidates following suspension of Imran Khan and the party’s bat symbol	Centre Right
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP			Bilawal Bhutto Zardari	Centre Left
Awami National Party (ANP)			Asfandyar Wali Khan	Centre Left
Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P)			Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui	Centre
Jamaat-e-Islami (JI)			Siraj ul Haq	Right

Voting Process

The voting process involves approximately 128 million eligible voters participating in the elections. Each voter can cast ballots for two seats in their constituency, one for the National Assembly (the lower house of the federal parliament) and another for their respective Provincial Assembly (which runs their provincial government). Pakistan comprises four provinces: Sindh, Balochistan, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Voter Eligibility Criteria

• Must be a citizen of Pakistan.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Should be a resident of the electoral area.
• Have a valid National Identity Card (NIC) issued by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA).

Security Arrangements

• Heightened security measures have been undertaken across Pakistan, especially in Islamabad, Karachi, Rawalpindi, Lahore and Hyderabad.
• CCTV cameras will be installed at sensitive polling stations.
• Peace committees will be established at polling stations in troubled areas, particularly in Balochistan.
• The Election Monitoring mobile app will be used for assistance during the election.
• Private security guards, drawn from government departments specialising in anti-encroachment, anti-corruption, and excise, will be hired for polling day duties.
• In case of deteriorating law and order, the Quick Response Force QRF and Reserve Police, along with Rangers, will be called in.
• Only QRF officers will be authorised to carry firearms on the election day, with strict limitations on their use.
• Personnel will be equipped with gas guns, batons, and anti-riot gadgets to swiftly restore order if needed.
• Supervisory officers have been instructed to regularly assess electionrelated activities in their respective areas.

Restrictions

• Authorities are in the process of imposing Section 144 (bans public gathering of more than five people and usage/display of all types of weapons) in parts of Pakistan. So far, Section 144 has been imposed in Punjab, parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Khyber, Peshawar, Bajaur, Dera Ismail Khan, Mardan and Haripur) and Quetta.
• As Election date is approaching further provinces are likely to come under the restrictions of Section 144.

Restricted Activities Around Polling Stations on Polling Day

• No campaigning will be allowed near polling stations on polling day.
• There is a ban on displaying weapons, except those by law enforcement, and all types of firing are strictly prohibited.
• Printing of Holy Quranic verses, sayings of the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him), or scriptures of other religions on publicity material or for campaigning purposes, is not allowed.
• Possession of weapons near polling stations is prohibited to ensure the safety and security of voters and polling staff.
• Strict prohibition on intimidation, coercion, or harassment of voters.
• The use of loudspeakers or any other means to create noise within the vicinity of polling stations is restricted.
• Distribution of campaign material, pamphlets, or any other promotional material in and around polling stations is prohibited.
• Taking photographs or filming inside the polling station is not allowed.
• Only authorised personnel, including voters, election officials, and accredited observers, are permitted inside the polling station.
• Offering any kind of inducement or bribe to voters in exchange for their votes is strictly banned.
• Government employees, including officers, are instructed to refrain from participating in political activities.
• Any violations of restrictions will be treated as illegal practices, and strict legal action shall be taken against non-compliance.

Recommendations

For Organizations

• In case operating on the polling day, advised to make flexible working arrangements in order to minimise the impact of operational disruptions.
• Traffic disruption owing to demonstrations or low availability is a significant problem during elections. Advised to offer transportation facilities to all employees and cater for delays in supply chains.
• As the risk of further disruptions and escalations cannot be ruled out, advised to prepare contingency plans ready.
• Prepare an evacuation plan as well and familiarise the staff with it.
• Conduct comprehensive audits covering electrical appliances, inflammable objects, fire-safety, monitoring tools, etc., for your facilities.
• In case of escalations, authorities may impose preventive measures like temporary Internet outage or unscheduled power outage, advised to prepare for backups or suitable alternatives.
• Maintain a strict entry-exit log and ensure all CCTVs are working during and on days preceding and succeeding the elections.
• Ensure all doors and windows are secured at the end of each business day in order to minimise the impact of any sudden outbreak of violence or act of vandalism.
• Circulation of misinformation and disinformation tends to rise during elections, advised to train employees to fact-check before acting on any information.
• The risk of cyber-security breaches escalates as well during elections, advised to update all software in use, upgrade cyber security checks and if required, conduct a session with all employees on safe cyber practices.

For Individuals

• Given the volatile situation in Pakistan, ensure to not discuss or post on any politically sensitive issue to avoid unnecessary harassment.
• Advised to avoid participating in any public meeting or rally conducted by political parties as such events may turn disruptive without any prior warning.
• Outbreak of political protests and clashes are a high possibility during and after the polls, advised to steer clear of protest sites as soon as possible.
• Park private vehicles in enclosed spaces, do not park in the open or on roadside to avoid damage, in case of vandalism.
• Employees are advised to have alternate routes mapped and consider extra travel time.
• Elaborate security checks at airports may lead to congestion and operational delays. Commuters are advised to reach airports well in advance (three hours in prior for inbound flights and four hours for international flights).
• Given that authorities tend to strengthen security checks during elections, it is advised to carry proper identity proofs when stepping outside. If availing private or personal vehicles, carry essential vehicle documents as well.
• Advised to fact check information and do not indulge in rumour-mongering.
• Advised to carry a portable charger when going out and ensure that cellular phones are adequately charged and have enough balance for making calls. Keep emergency numbers handy.
• Carry cash as cards and UPI may not work in case authorities impose power or Internet outages.
• Last but not the least, voters are advised to exercise their Right to Vote responsibly, while ensuring personal safety

Emergency Contact Numbers:

• For registration, immediate redressal of complaints related to General Elections – 000-327-111-051 (Call) or email complaints@ecp.gov.pk or via 051-111327000 (WhatsApp).
• Alternate WhatsApp Number for registering complaints for those with speech and hearing impairments – 0327-5050610.
• Residents of Islamabad can report any suspicious or illegal activities related to the elections through the Caller 15 or ICT15 app.
• Detailed list of candidates – Click Here.