Pakistan votes amid polarisation, militant attacks, economic crisis

Heightened security, mobile networks suspended as voters queue in bitter cold

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan began counting votes after polling ended on Feb 8 in a general election marred by militant attacks and suspension of mobile phone services, with the authorities saying that at least nine people were killed across the country.

The vote was held as the South Asian country struggles to recover from an economic crisis while it grapples with rising militant violence in a deeply polarised political environment.

TV channels are expected to make projections of first results a few hours after the close of voting at 5pm (8pm Singapore time), and a clear picture is likely to emerge early on Feb 9 as counting continues through the night.

Many analysts believe the vote may not produce a clear winner.

Thousands of troops were deployed on the streets and at polling stations across the country, and borders with Iran and Afghanistan were temporarily closed as security was stepped up to ensure peaceful polling.

Despite the heightened security, nine people, including two children, were killed in bomb blasts, grenade attacks and firing incidents.

The Interior Ministry said it took the security steps after at least 26 people were killed in two explosions near electoral candidates' offices in the south-western province of Balochistan on Feb 7. The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria later claimed responsibility for those attacks.