International Desk: Voting has started in Pakistan under caretaker government. Millions of Pakistanis are going to vote today amid rising inflation, violence and claims of vote rigging.

Also read: Blasts at two places in Pakistan, 26 killed

On Thursday (February 8) from 8 am to 5 pm, votes will be accepted at 90,000 polling stations in the country. More than 650,000 army, paramilitary and police personnel have been deployed in these polling stations.

12.8 million people will vote in this election, half of whom are under 35 years of age. More than 5 thousand candidates are competing in this election. Among them, only 313 women candidates.

Also Read: 63 More Border Guard Infiltrations

Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Bilawal Bhutto-led Pakistan People's Party (PPP) are ahead in the election.

However, with former Prime Minister Imran Khan and top leaders of his party Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in jail, it has become difficult for his party to contest the elections.

Also read: Rohingya entry no leniency

They are not able to participate in the polls with the party symbol cricket bat. Many from this party are participating in the election as independent candidates. All in all, it can be said that Pakistan's election does not have much credibility.

It should be noted that this election is being held almost 2 years after Pakistan's popular cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan was ousted in a vote of no confidence. Currently he is in jail and cannot participate in elections.

Also Read: GI Product Tangail Saree, Gazette Today

Meanwhile, the country's 3-time prime minister Nawaz Sharif is participating in the elections again. Analysts say this is one of Pakistan's least credible elections.

Sun News/NJ