Ex-Pakistani PM Sharif strikes confident note in vote marred by controversy, mobile phone shutdown

By RIAZAT BUTT and MUNIR AHMED
Associated Press

LAHORE, Pakistan (AP) — Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is expressing confidence his party will win national elections. Thursday’s vote has been marred by violence and controversy, especially a total mobile shutdown and the imprisonment of a popular contender. The military said 12 people were killed in the militant attacks. A day before the election, at least 30 were killed in bombings at political offices, and sporadic attacks on Thursday appeared aimed at disrupting the balloting. The mobile phone shutdown across the country drew condemnation from rights groups. The violence, political feuding and a seemingly intractable economic crisis have left many voters disillusioned. They also raised questions about whether a new government can bring more stability to the troubled Western ally.