The Election Commission of Pakistan.—File Photo

KARACHI: The Election Commission of Pakistan admitted on Saturday that the commission had failed to hold free and fair elections in the country's largest city Karachi whereas polling time across the country was extended by one hour.

The statement followed a series of rigging  allegations leveled by different political parties against each other in the city.

Moreover the May 11 elections in the city were marred by two blasts earlier in the city and other incidents of violence at polling station in various areas.

The Election Commission also gave three more hours for polling at seven Karachi constituencies — NA-248 to NA-254.

The ECP extended polling time across the country by one hour.

Opinion

Editorial

Immunity gap
Updated 26 Apr, 2026

Immunity gap

Pakistan’s Big Catch-Up campaign showed progress but also exposed the scale of gaps in routine immunisation.
Danger on repeat
26 Apr, 2026

Danger on repeat

DISASTERS have typically been framed as acts of nature. Of late, they look increasingly like tests of preparedness...
Loose lips
26 Apr, 2026

Loose lips

PAKISTANIS have by now gained something of an international reputation for their gallows humour, but it seems that...
Lebanon truce
Updated 25 Apr, 2026

Lebanon truce

THE fact that the truce between Israel and Lebanon has been extended for three weeks should be welcomed. But there...
Terrorism again
25 Apr, 2026

Terrorism again

THE elimination of 22 terrorists in an intelligence-based operation in Khyber highlights both the scale and ...
Taxing technology
25 Apr, 2026

Taxing technology

THE recent decision by the FBR’s Directorate General of Customs Valuation to increase the ‘assessed value’ of...