Election result delayed amid reports of victories for Imran Khan supporters

Members of polling staff count the votes after the polls closed for parliamentary elections, in Peshawar, Pakistan (Muhammad Sajjad/AP)

The results of Pakistan’s elections were delayed on Friday – a day after a vote marred by sporadic violence, a mobile phone service shutdown and the sidelining of former prime minister Imran Khan and his party.

Local media reported victories by independents backed by his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party after the imprisoned Mr Khan was disqualified from contesting the vote because of criminal convictions he contends were politically motivated.