Tahir Maqsood Chheena

A year has passed since Pakistan’s landmark 2024 general election, a date etched in the country’s history. On this day, millions of adult Pakistanis, regardless of their faith, ethnicity, or socioeconomic background, took to the polls in a delayed election that defied expectations, leaving a complex legacy. While many anticipated a predictable outcome, few could have foreseen the unprecedented twists and turns that marked the day—and the aftermath—of these elections.

The lead-up to the election was marked by tensions, uncertainty, and an atmosphere of unpredictability. A particularly notable event was the unannounced blackout of mobile communication services, enforced by the authorities just before the polling stations opened. This move left millions of voters without access to vital election-related information and prevented them from contacting loved ones or receiving updates on the process. While the timing of the blackout raised concerns, it was not enough to dampen the determination of over 59 million Pakistanis who turned up at polling stations, undeterred by the communication breakdown.

Despite the lack of communication and widespread discontent, people from all walks of life headed to their designated polling stations, eager to have their voices heard. In the days leading up to the election, pundits and media surveys had painted a clear picture of the anticipated results. Predictions were made, candidates were favored, and political analysts projected the outcome with relative certainty. Yet, what transpired on election day was nothing short of a surprise, not just to the authorities and political elite, but to the entire nation.

For those observing from the outside, the 2024 election results were a stunning shock. Despite the concerted efforts to manipulate the process and exclude certain political parties, the final results proved that the will of the people cannot be suppressed. A concerted effort was made to keep one party out of the race entirely. Its leadership was jailed, its workers harassed, and its candidates, even after being forced to declare themselves as independents, were denied the ability to campaign effectively. It seemed as though everything was being done to ensure that the political landscape remained as it had been, with one party firmly entrenched at the top.

In contrast to previous elections where manipulation may have helped bring the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to power, the 2024 election presented a different narrative. Despite the political forces working against them, the PTI managed to secure an unexpectedly large portion of the popular vote, highlighting a decisive shift in the country’s political dynamic.

The results of the election spoke volumes about Pakistan’s evolving political climate. First and foremost, they signified that the country’s youth had finally made their mark on the political stage. The younger generation, once seen as apathetic or disengaged, proved their power at the polls and played a pivotal role in reshaping the future of Pakistani politics. In addition, the election demonstrated that ordinary voters had decisively rejected the narratives imposed by the entrenched political establishment. This rejection was a powerful message about the disconnect between those controlling the state and the aspirations of the people.

The 2024 election was undeniably a historic event in Pakistan’s political history. It marked a clear departure from the status quo and represented a hopeful step toward a more inclusive, democratic future. However, the aftermath of the election would prove to be far from smooth, as the country faced a series of challenges and injustices that would ultimately affect its future trajectory.

The aftermath of the February 2024 election saw the political landscape continue to unfold in unexpected and often tumultuous ways. Despite the people’s resounding choice, those in power appeared reluctant to accept the new political reality. Instead of embracing the change demanded by the voters, many responsible individuals within the state chose to ignore the shifting dynamics and attempted to suppress the outcome. The failure to address the country’s transformed political landscape in a meaningful way exacerbated the conflict between the ruling elite and the masses. What followed was a series of misguided policies and actions that further deepened the divisions within the country.

Rather than acknowledging the legitimacy of the people’s mandate and the need for reform, political elites engaged in a battle of egos. This internal power struggle came at the expense of the well-being of millions of ordinary Pakistanis, who were left to bear the brunt of a state unwilling to evolve with the times. A key issue that persisted in the wake of the election was the continuing economic instability, which continued to spiral out of control due to entrenched political infighting and mismanagement.

This period of political dysfunction contributed to a growing sense of disillusionment among the people. Despite the electoral victory, the country seemed to be marching toward further instability. The political system appeared entrenched in a cycle of dysfunction that showed little promise of resolution. This created a climate of uncertainty, where many Pakistanis felt their hopes for meaningful change were increasingly slipping away.

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At the heart of Pakistan’s political and social struggles lies a fundamental conflict between the powers that control the state and the aspirations of its people. This disconnect has led to a situation where the desires and needs of ordinary Pakistanis are consistently overlooked, ignored, or outright rejected by those in positions of authority. While the general election of 2024 demonstrated that the people still have the power to influence the course of the nation, the aftermath showed that the political elite was unwilling—or unable—to adapt to the changing political realities.

This situation cannot continue indefinitely. Unless the conflict between the state’s leadership and the will of the people is addressed, Pakistan will continue to struggle with instability and lack of progress. The people of Pakistan are yearning for a political system that reflects their needs, aspirations, and values, rather than one that is dictated by a handful of individuals who prioritize their egos over the collective well-being of the nation.

The need for reform is undeniable. The current political impasse cannot continue to hold the country back. The power struggle between a few influential figures in government has cost Pakistan the opportunity to stabilize and move forward, hurting millions in the process. This ongoing battle has only deepened the frustrations of the electorate, leaving them disillusioned with the entire system.

In light of the injustices that followed the 2024 election, it is important to start thinking about the future and how the damage done can be mitigated. The people of Pakistan need a system that represents them, one that offers hope for a better future rather than perpetuating a cycle of failure. The war of egos between political figures must come to an end for the sake of the nation. The people have suffered for far too long, and now it is time to begin the healing process.

Pakistan must take a hard look at its current trajectory and consider the necessary steps to bridge the gap between the state and its citizens. Political reforms are essential, as is a commitment to addressing the root causes of discontent among the populace. Only through a collective effort can Pakistan hope to find peace and stability.

In conclusion, the 2024 election will be remembered as a turning point, but whether it serves as the catalyst for meaningful change remains uncertain. To secure a future of peace, prosperity, and unity, the country must find a way to move past the divisions and power struggles that continue to hold it back. The people have spoken, and now it is time for the state to listen and act accordingly.

It is important to note that according to Republic Policy post election analysis, the elections were won by PTI with clear majority. However, the results were managed to bring PMLN and PPP into power.