General Election 2024: What You Need to Know

PTA assures uninterrupted internet services on election day, with no plans to shut down internet access during the electoral process.

General Election 2024: What You Need to Know. The General Election in Pakistan are scheduled to be held tomorrow, Thursday, February 8. People are curious about the polling hours, voting method, and what will be open and closed on February 8th.

Polling Hours & Eligibility:

Polls open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM for Pakistani citizens above 18 years old.

Expected Voter Turnout:

Out of Pakistan’s 241 million population, 128 million citizens are eligible to cast their votes.

Essential Documents:

Voters must bring their Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) and know their serial number for voting.

Restricted Items in Polling Booths:

Mobile phones and recording devices are prohibited inside polling stations to maintain voting secrecy.

Voting Process:

1. Wait in line until your turn.
2. Verify your name and electoral number with the Presiding Officer.
3. Receive two ballot papers: one green for the National Assembly and one white for the provincial assembly.
4. Check for the Presiding Officer’s signature and stamp on the back of both papers.
5. Your thumb impression will be imprinted on the electoral rolls.
6. Proceed to a polling booth, stamp the ballot papers, and insert them into the respective boxes.

Election Day Closures:

The Government of Pakistan has announced February 8th, Thursday, as a public holiday to allow citizens to cast their votes. This public holiday entails the closure of all educational institutions including schools, colleges, and universities nationwide. Additionally, all economic and trading activities will be suspended, including the closure of the Pakistan Stock Exchange and all banks in Pakistan. Markets will also be closed, although some shopping malls and markets are expected to reopen after 4pm.

More From FactFile: General Elections 2024: 106,942 QRF deployed for security

Internet Services:

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has categorically stated that there are no plans to shut down the internet during the upcoming election day. Users can expect uninterrupted internet services to remain accessible throughout the duration of the electoral process.