While official results remain elusive, early trends paint a picture of a close race with an outcome hanging in the balance.

Veteran politician and three-time Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, suffered a stunning defeat in Mansehra's NA-15 constituency, losing to independent candidate Shahzada Gastasap. This loss in a traditional PML-N stronghold casts a shadow of doubt on the party's overall performance. However, Sharif managed to secure victory in Lahore's NA-130, offering a glimmer of hope.

Adding to the surprise, independent candidates backed by Imran Khan's PTI party are leading the initial count with 154 seats, surpassing both PML-N and PPP. This surge highlights the potential for a major upset, defying pre-election predictions that favored Nawaz Sharif.

Despite the setbacks, PML-N holds onto the belief that they can form the government. Maryam Nawaz, party organizer, expressed confidence, while party leader Marriyum Aurangzeb echoed her sentiment. However, the delay in results and allegations of manipulation raise concerns about the election's integrity.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) faces criticism for the slow announcement of results, attributing it to security measures. While authorities aim to ensure legitimacy, the delay fuels suspicion and fuels accusations of deliberate manipulation.

Both PML-N and PTI point fingers at each other, alleging rigging and attempts to influence the outcome. This war of words further escalates tensions in an already charged political atmosphere.

While the National Assembly race captures the spotlight, 593 provincial assembly seats are also up for grabs. Elections for some seats were delayed due to unfortunate candidate deaths, adding another layer of complexity to the overall picture.

With a close race, ongoing disputes, and delayed results, it's anyone's guess who will form the next government. The coming days will be crucial in determining the outcome, potentially shaping the future trajectory of Pakistan. (ILKHA)