Outside a polling station in Islamabad, 22-year-old psychology student Haleema Shafiq says she is determined to vote.

“I believe in democracy. I want a government that can make Pakistan safer for girls,” she told AFP.

But another voter expressed the doubts of many.

“My only fear is whether my vote will be counted for the same party I cast it for. At the same time, for the poor it does not matter who is ruling — we need a government that can control inflation,” said Syed Tassawar, a 39-year-old construction worker.

Voters line up to cast their ballot at a polling station during Pakistan’s national elections in Islamabad on February 8, 2024. — AFP
Voters line up to cast their ballot at a polling station during Pakistan’s national elections in Islamabad on February 8, 2024. — AFP

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