KARACHI: Most of the main political parties in Pakistan have expressed serious concerns over the conduct of the general elections and the delay in the announcement of the results. Several party leaders said that they plan to call an All Parties Conference (APC) to discuss allegations of rigging and decide on a joint course of action.
Election Commission of Pakistan secretary Babar Yaqoob said on Thursday, the day after the election, that the delay was caused by technical failures in an electronic system that transmits results, and the counting was now being conducted manually. He added that full results would be released as soon as possible but could not give a time frame.
Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) appears to be in a commanding position in the center, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and the coastal city of Karachi. Unofficial preliminary results suggest PTI has won or is ahead in about 120 national seats, 113 in the Punjab assembly, 18 in the Sindh assembly and 55 in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assembly. In Punjab, PTI is neck-and-neck with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), and might emerge in a position to form a provincial government in a coalition with independents.
In Balochistan, where PTI looks to have won only three provincial assembly seats, the newly formed Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) and the Balochistan National Party (BNP) emerged as the largest parties.
In his victory speech on Thursday, Khan, the PTI leader and prime minister-in-waiting, rejected the widespread claims of poll rigging but added: “Anyone who has issues of rigging, we will facilitate and we will open up any constituency that you want for investigation. When we asked for probes, we were not facilitated but now we will do it differently.”
Khan, who won all five national assembly seats he was contesting, said he was happy with the outcome and urged all sides to unite for the good of Pakistan.
However, the delay in announcing the results, the poor performance of Khan’s rivals, and claims that polling agents of some political parties were thrown out of polling stations without the required election paperwork have angered many of PTI’s rivals, including outgoing ruling party PML-N, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), MMA, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), the Pak Sarzameen Party, the BNP and other small political groups.
PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, who lost two out of three constituencies he contested, including his party’s political fortress of Lyari, condemned the delay in announcing the results.
“It’s now past midnight and I haven’t received official results from any constituency I am contesting myself,” he said, adding that polling agents for his party’s candidates “have been thrown out of polling stations across the country. Inexcusable and outrageous.”
PPP senators Mian Raza Rabbani and Sherry Rehman held a late night press conference during which they said there were serious question marks over the credibility of the election process.
MMA President Maulana Fazlur Rehman — who faced defeat in both of his national assembly seats, including his home constituency — said that ‘rigged results’ will not be accepted. He added that his alliance would call an APC on Friday.
PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif, who visited his brother, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Adiala prison on Thursday, before presiding over a party meeting in Lahore, said the credibility of the polling process was in question. He also said that he will call an APC to discuss the rigging allegations and decide on joint course of action.
Senator Mushahidullah Khan, the central spokesman for PML-N, said that although his party was not in favor of sit-ins it would not concede to PTI after “countrywide foul play.”
“The president of PML-N, Shehbaz Sharif, has decided to summon an all parties’ conference for a joint strategy against the shame election,” he confirmed.
Raza Haroon of the Pak Sarzameen Party said it did not receive a single result until Thursday evening.
“Our polling agents were pushed out of the polling stations without handing them form-45, which is a duty of the election commission,” Haroon said, adding that anything can happen to the votes if the polling agents are absent, even for just an hour. “And here, around 20 hours have passed and we haven’t received the results.”
Explaining the process, Haroon said polling agents are required to remain inside the polling station until form-45 is completed, signed and handed over. Form-45 is a document with the name of every candidate along with the number of votes they received, signed by the returning officers and polling staff.
“Not only this but presence of the polling agent is also mandatory at the time when the returning officer announces the results,” he said. “But we were nowhere. Why should we accept these results?”
Haroon, whose party will take part in the APC, said Imran Khan’s assurances of proper investigations will not help as what has been done cannot be undone.
Faisal Subzwari, a senior MQM leader said his party will demand a recount.
“Yes, it’s true that much can be done in the absence of polling agent but recounting will at least fix some of the problem,” he said, adding that his party will mount both legal and political challenges. “We will also mull over whether we should attend the APC. Our mandate has been stolen, first though pre-poll and now after-poll rigging.”
Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman, president of the MMA Karachi chapter, alleged that the elections were massively rigged in favor of PTI. “If pre-poll rigging wasn’t enough to ensure the victory of PTI candidates, results were held up and later announced when these favored the PTI candidates.”
He said his party will not accept a mandate that has been stolen from other political parties.
Yaqoob, the Election Comission secretary, rejected the claims of rigging, saying the elections had been free and fair.
“Elections are delayed across the world but in Pakistan the losing parties always complain,” he said.
While PTI’s Imran Khan (NA-243) and prominent leaders including Dr. Arif Alvi (NA-247), Ali Zaidi (NA-244), Aamir Liaquat Hussain (NA-245) and Faisal Vawda (NA-249) won their seats in Karachi, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari (NA-246), and PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif (NA-249), lost their seats in the seaside city.
The most shocking result was in Lyari, a former PPP stronghold, in which PTI’s little-known Abdul Shakoor Shah won NA-246 while PPP chief Zardari could not even finish as a runner-up. Provincial assembly seats PS-107 and 108 were won by candidates for Khadim Hussain Rizvi’s Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan and MMA respectively, ending PPP’s 40-year reign in Lyari.
Among the prominent political figures who could not win in their home constituencies were former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, PPP’s Yousuf Raza Gilani, PTI’s Dr. Yasmeen Rashid, PML-N’s Shehbaz Sharif, Miftah Ismail, Khawaja Saad Rafique, Talal Chaudhry, and Abid Sher Ali, MMA President Maulana Fazlur Rehman, head of Jamaat-e-Islami Sirajul Haque, former minister Owais Leghari, Awami National Party’s Asfandyar Ali Khan, former interior minister of Balochistan Safraz Bugti, former interior minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, BAP’s Zubaida Jalal and Qaumi Wattan Party’s Aftab Sherpao.
Opposition mulls joint strategy after Imran’s PTI emerges as largest party
Opposition mulls joint strategy after Imran’s PTI emerges as largest party
- Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf emerges as the largest party in the center, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Karachi, and is neck-and-neck with incumbent Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz in Punjab, according to preliminary unofficial results
- PTI leader Imran Khan wins all four seats he contested, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari takes Larkana (NA-200) but suffers massive defeat in party strongholds Malakand and Lyari
Pakistan’s interior minister, US congressional delegation discuss counterterror cooperation, bilateral investment
- Mohsin Naqvi says “terrorism” is a global challenge, urges international community to cooperate with Pakistan
- As Pakistan grapples with militancy, Islamabad and Washington will hold a counterterrorism dialogue in June
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held talks on counterterrorism cooperation and bilateral investment with a United States (US) congressional delegation in Islamabad on Sunday, as both countries attempt to forge closer ties to battle surging regional militancy.
Military cooperation between Pakistan and the US spans over six decades, but it underwent a tactical renaissance since the militant attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
During the US ‘War on Terror’ against the Taliban in Afghanistan, US-Pakistan relations were largely prompted by Washington’s short-term need for Islamabad’s cooperation to serve its security and strategic interests in Kabul.
A US congressional delegation in Pakistan comprising congressmen Jack Bergman, Tom Suozzi and Jonathan Jackson called on the Pakistani interior minister in Islamabad. Pakistan’s Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudry, Acting US Ambassador Natalie Baker and Federal Interior Secretary Khurram Agha were also present.
“Discussions on advancing cooperation in the fields of economy, trade and investment were held,” the interior ministry said. “Discussions were also held on security, counterterrorism and border security areas.”
Naqvi described Pakistan as a “wall” between “terrorism” and the world, the ministry said.
“Terrorism is a global challenge and the international community urgently needs to cooperate fully with Pakistan,” he was quoted as saying by the ministry.
The Pakistani minister stressed the importance of sharing intelligence and technology counterterrorism.
Pakistan and the US will hold a counter-terrorism dialogue in June this year. Cooperation between Islamabad and Washington in the field of counterterrorism is particularly important given the increase in militant attacks in Pakistan’s western provinces bordering Afghanistan.
Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of sheltering militants that launch attacks on its soil, allegations that have been repeatedly denied by the Taliban government in Kabul.
Pakistan’s Jamaat-e-Islami party to hold ‘Gaza Solidarity March’ in Karachi today
- JI to hold march at Karachi’s busy Shahrah-e-Faisal road at 4:00 p.m. today, says party
- At least 1,560 Palestinians have been killed since Israel resumed bombarding Gaza in March
ISLAMABAD: Thousands of supporters of prominent Pakistani religiopolitical party Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) are expected to take part in a “Gaza Solidarity March” in the southern port city of Karachi against Israel’s military offensives in the Palestinian territory.
The protest will take place days after the JI held demonstrations in Lahore and other major cities on Friday to protest Israel’s bombardment of Gaza and urge Muslim nations to stop the bloodshed.
Gaza’s Health Ministry says at least 1,560 people have been killed since the fragile truce between Hamas and Israel broke down on Mar. 18. According to Palestinian Civil Defense spokesperson Mahmoud Basal, at least 500 children are among the dead since Israel resumed the offensive last month.
“A Solidarity with Gaza March will be held on Sunday, Apr. 13 at 4:00 p.m. on Shahrah-e-Faisal in Karachi,” the JI said in a post on social media platform X on Saturday.
The JI has already announced it will lead a protest march to the US Embassy in Islamabad on Apr. 20.
Pakistan, which does not have diplomatic relations with Israel, has frequently criticized the Jewish state for its military operations in Gaza. Islamabad has also called for the resumption of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian territory and the need for a revival of negotiations leading to a two-state solution.
Islamabad consistently calls for an independent Palestinian state along the pre-1967 borders and with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Since Oct. 7, 2023, Israel’s military offensives in Gaza have killed over 50,000 people and wounded over 116,000, as per the Gaza Health Ministry.
SMEs in MENA, South Asia raise capital, expand
- Pakistani fintech Haball raises $52 million to scale Shariah-compliant supply chain finance and payment solutions
- Founded to address credit gap in Pakistan’s SME ecosystem, Haball enables businesses to access Islamic finance products
RIYADH: Startups across the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia are securing fresh capital and expanding into new markets, signaling strong investor confidence.
Saudi-based business-to-business marketplace Sary has announced it will merge with Bangladesh’s commerce platform ShopUp to create the SILQ Group, a newly formed entity aiming to transform cross-border trade across South Asia and the Gulf.
The merger is supported by a $110 million funding package comprising an equity investment and a financing facility dedicated to SILQ Financial, the group’s financial services arm.
The funding round includes participation from a broad investor base, led by Sanabil Investments, and joined by Valar Ventures, Flourish Ventures and STV, as well as MSA Capital, VSQ and Rocketship VC. Wafra Investment, Peak XV and Prosus were also involved, along with Tiger Global, Endeavor Catalyst and Raed Ventures.
Qatar Development Bank also participated as a new investor, as SILQ sets its sights on establishing a significant presence in the Qatari market.
This strategic alliance signals a significant step toward deeper commercial integration between the two regions, aiming to serve micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises with improved access to global supply chains and embedded financial tools.
Founded in 2018 by Mohammed Al-Dossary and Khaled Al-Siari, Sary connects small retailers and merchants with manufacturers and lenders across Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region.
ShopUp, founded in 2016 by Afeef Zaman, offers similar services in Bangladesh, acting as a crucial link between mills, brands, and neighborhood retailers.
The newly formed SILQ Group combines these complementary regional networks, technology stacks, and market expertise.
“Through this merger, we’re entering what’s set to become one of the world’s largest trade corridors — projected to reach $682 billion,” said Zaman, now CEO of SILQ Group.
“We’re in the front seat to serve some of the most exciting, fast-growing economies that are set to shape global consumption in the coming decades, giving them greater access to products from around the world.” He added SILQ will focus on eliminating friction in the B2B supply chain and enabling MSMEs with better technology and financial inclusion.
Al-Dossary, now CEO of SILQ Financial, said: “By merging our strengths, we’re not just expanding our reach — we’re revolutionizing how digital commerce serves Gulf’s merchants and South Asia manufacturers.”
He added: “This alliance brings together the best of both worlds — deep regional expertise and world-class technology to empower every business in our ecosystem where financial services are a cornerstone.”
Language AI platform STUCK? secures six-figure pre-seed round
Saudi-based artificial intelligence startup STUCK?, which offers real-time language support for English and Arabic content, has raised a six-figure pre-seed investment round to advance its product and market reach.
The funding was led by the UK-based Mena Tech Fund, with participation from the KAUST Innovation Fund and several angel investors from Saudi Arabia.
Founded in 2022 by Asmaa Naga, STUCK? delivers AI-powered language assistance to content teams, offering contextual help in writing, editing and translation.
The company aims to remove language barriers for both native and non-native speakers operating in bilingual business environments.
STUCK? provides services via an AI-first platform that combines natural language processing with generative tools optimized for business communication and brand tone consistency.
With this latest round, STUCK? plans to scale its engineering capabilities.
Rabbit launches in Saudi Arabia with Riyadh regional HQ
Cairo-born quick commerce startup Rabbit has expanded its operations to Saudi Arabia by opening a regional headquarters in Riyadh.
The move marks Rabbit’s first major international market entry, as it looks to replicate its rapid delivery model — offering grocery and everyday essentials in under 20 minutes — within the Kingdom’s growing e-commerce landscape.
Founded in 2021 by Ahmed Yousry, Walid Shabana, Ismail Hafezz and Tarek El-Geresy, Rabbit leverages a network of dark stores and a proprietary logistics platform to optimize ultra-fast last-mile delivery.
In Egypt, Rabbit has positioned itself as a leader in q-commerce with its tech-driven approach, and it now seeks to replicate this success in the Gulf by localizing its services for Saudi consumers.
We pride ourselves on being a hyperlocal company, bringing our cutting-edge tech and experience to transform the grocery shopping experience for Saudi households.
Ahmad Yousry, Rabbit co-founder and CEO
Rabbit’s expansion is supported by funding from investors including Lorax Capital Partners, Global Ventures, Raed Ventures, and Beltone Venture Capital.
Existing backers Global Founders Capital, Goodwater Capital, Hub71, Simple Capital and Foundation Ventures have also reaffirmed their commitment to the company’s growth strategy.
“We are delighted to announce Rabbit’s expansion into the Kingdom,” said co-founder and CEO Ahmad Yousry.
“We pride ourselves on being a hyperlocal company, bringing our cutting-edge tech and experience to transform the grocery shopping experience for Saudi households and delivering the best products — especially local favorites — in just 20 minutes. We’re building Rabbit Saudi for Saudis by Saudi hands.”
Sellou raises seed funding round at $3m valuation
Bahrain-based social commerce startup Sellou has closed a seed funding round at a $3 million valuation, aimed at scaling its video-powered marketplace platform across the MENA region.
Founded by Salman Al-Khalifa, Sellou allows users to create short, interactive videos to showcase and sell a wide range of products — ranging from handmade goods to general merchandise.
The platform is part of a rising wave of social commerce innovation, particularly in the Middle East, where mobile-first consumer behavior is driving the adoption of new retail formats.
Sellou’s app enables sellers to build storefronts with personalized video content and engage buyers through direct messaging, streamlining the e-commerce experience for both sides.
With fresh capital, Sellou intends to invest in expanding its engineering team, enhancing creator tools and entering new markets across the region.
Rentify raises $500k to grow rental payment platform
UAE-based proptech and fintech company Rentify has raised $500,000 in seed funding to accelerate the development of its rental payment and management platform.
The startup was founded in 2025 by Rashed Hareb and Rajneel Kumar with a vision to digitize rental transactions and improve transparency between tenants and landlords.
Rentify enables tenants to manage rental installments through a secure platform.
The company reports that over $408 million worth of property rentals have already been registered on the platform.
The seed funding will be used to further scale operations, integrate more properties across the Emirates, and introduce new fintech features including credit scoring and embedded finance solutions for tenants.
PayTic raises $4m to expand African operations
Morocco-based fintech startup PayTic has secured $4 million in funding to support its expansion into new African markets.
The round was led by AfricInvest, with participation from Build Ventures, Axian Group, Mistral, Island Capital Partner, and Concrete.
Founded in 2020 by Imad Boumahdi, PayTic focuses on automating operational processes for card issuers and banks, such as reconciliation, chargeback management, and regulatory reporting.
The capital injection will enable PayTic to grow its presence in both North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa.
Haball raises $52m to grow Shariah-compliant supply chain financing
Pakistan-based fintech firm Haball has raised $52 million to scale its Shariah-compliant supply chain finance and payment solutions.
The round includes $5 million in equity and $47 million in strategic financing.
Zayn VC and Meezan Bank led the investment, with the capital earmarked for growth in Pakistan and expansion into the Middle East, starting with Saudi Arabia later this year.
Founded to address the credit gap in Pakistan’s SME ecosystem, Haball enables businesses to access Islamic finance products for inventory and procurement needs.
“Supply chain finance in Pakistan is nascent but is expected to be worth over $9 billion; driven by the severe financing gap faced by the country’s SMEs — less than 5 percent can access financing from commercial banks,” the company said in a statement.
The funding will allow Haball to introduce new services tailored to Islamic finance users, integrate further with enterprise resource planning systems, and partner with banks to onboard new business clients.
Veteran Pakistani comedian Javed ‘Kodu’ passes away after prolonged illness
- Muhammad Javed starred in over 150 Punjabi, Urdu films and several stage productions since 1981
- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif says void left by late comedian’s passing is likely to never be filled
ISLAMABAD: Veteran Pakistani stage and television comedian Muhammad Javed, popularly known as “Javed Kodu,” passed away in the eastern city of Lahore on Sunday after suffering from prolonged illness, state-run media reported.
Javed, who as per media reports was 50 years old, was widely recognized for his comedic talent and distinctive short stature.
He passed away during the wee hours of Sunday after a long battle with illness. The comedian’s funeral prayers will be held at the marquee behind his residence in Lahore’s Singhpura area, state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) said.
“The veteran performer, who dedicated more than four decades to the entertainment industry, leaves behind a legacy of laughter, resilience, and heartfelt performances,” APP reported.
Born with dwarfism, Javed faced numerous societal and professional challenges throughout his life, APP said.
It added that his stage name “Kodu” was affectionately given to him by legendary comedian Akhtar Hussain Albela.
Javed began acting in 1981 with the play “Sode Baaz” and went on to star in over 150 Punjabi and Urdu films, along with several stage productions.
His TV drama “Ashiyana” was a hit with fans and is arguably the most popular television project Javed was associated with.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief at Javed’s passing, praising his talent as a comedian.
“Javed Kodu, who was famous for his short stature and towering talent, leaves behind a void in the media industry that is likely never to be filled,” Sharif was quoted as saying by his office.
The late comedian is survived by his wife and two sons. One of his sons, Shera, is a popular performer on the comedy show “Mazaaq Raat.
Pakistan urges Tehran to arrest those responsible for killing its nationals in Iran
- Baloch separatists have claimed responsibility for killing eight Pakistanis in Sistan-Baluchestan
- Iranian embassy in Pakistan condemns attack, calls for joint efforts to battle “terrorism” in region
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has asked Iran to arrest the culprits responsible for killing eight Pakistani nationals this week in its Sistan-Baluchestan province, calling on regional states to adopt a coordinated strategy to defeat the menace of “terrorism.”
The news of the killings first emerged in local media on Saturday evening, though Pakistan’s foreign ministry and federal authorities did not issue immediate statements.
However, the foreign office later confirmed the development in response to media queries. It said that Islamabad was in contact with Iranian authorities and would comment once the details were confirmed.
In a separate statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief over the killing of the eight Pakistani nationals and voiced concern over the attack on Iranian soil.
“The Iranian government must bring those responsible to justice and share the reasons behind this heinous act with the public,” Sharif said in a statement released by his office on Saturday.
The Pakistani premier expressed grief at the loss of lives in the incident.
“Terrorism is a scourge that is devastating for all countries in the region,” he added. “All regional states must implement a coordinated strategy to root out terrorism.”
The prime minister also directed Pakistan’s foreign ministry to remain in contact with the victims’ families and instructed the embassy in Tehran to ensure the safe repatriation of the bodies.
Meanwhile, Iran’s embassy in Pakistan condemned the attack as a “cowardly one,” calling for joint efforts to eradicate “terrorism.”
“Combating this ominous phenomenon requires collective and joint efforts by all countries to eradicate all forms of terrorism and extremism that have claimed the lives of thousands of innocent people in recent decades,” the embassy said.
On Saturday, Afghanistan’s Khaama Press News Agency reported the attack took place in the early hours of the day in a village in Mehrestan district, located near the Iran-Pakistan border. The outlet said the victims were auto mechanics.
However, the separatist Balochistan National Army (BNA) claimed responsibility for the attack later in the day, alleging that the slain workers were members of Pakistan’s premier spy agency.
Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province, which borders Iran and Afghanistan, has faced a low-level insurgency for nearly two decades. Baloch separatist groups accuse the central government of exploiting the region’s natural resources, such as gold and copper, without benefiting the local population.
Islamabad denies the allegations, saying it is committed to improving the lives of Baloch residents through various development projects.
Thousands of Pakistanis, mostly from economically disadvantaged regions, frequently cross into Iran to take up informal work in sectors such as vehicle repair, construction and agriculture.
In January last year, nine Pakistani laborers were killed and three critically injured in a similar attack in Saravan city, also located in Iran’s southeastern border region.
The victims in that case had also been working at an auto repair shop.
Last year’s killings took place at a time when Pakistan and Iran were trying to mend diplomatic ties following tit-for-tat missile and drone strikes.
