A province-wide shutdown strike paralyzed Balochistan, as major political parties protest against alleged rigging in the recent general elections. Business centers remained closed, streets echoed with slogans, and sit-ins sprang up across the region, demanding transparency and accountability. The call for the strike came from a powerful alliance of four parties the Balochistan National Party (BNP), National Party (NP), Pashtun Khawa Milli Awami Party (PKMAP), and Hazara Democratic Party (HDP). They accuse authorities of manipulating poll results to favor other parties, effectively stealing their victories. In Quetta, the provincial capital, business centers remained shuttered, and major intersections witnessed sit-ins. The Balochistan Bar Council and Anjuman Tajran (Traders Association) extended their support to the strike, further amplifying the movement. Nushki saw a complete shutdown, with markets and shops deserted in response to the four-party alliance's call. People took to the streets, raising their voices against alleged poll rigging and demanding fair results.

The BNP's ongoing protest outside the Nushki district returning officer's office entered its third day, blocking the national highway and intensifying pressure on authorities.In Chaman, the Pashtunkhawa Milli Awami Party (ANP) led a shutdown strike, causing businesses to close and essential services to be disrupted. Party workers staged sit-ins for the fifth consecutive day in front of the district returning officer's office, demanding the declaration of results based on Form 45, the official polling station record. Banks, passport offices, NADRA offices, and post offices remained shut for the second day, highlighting the impact of the strike. Asghar Khan Achakzai, ANP's provincial president, asserted that the protests would continue until the results based on Form 45 are declared. This unwavering stance underscores the determination of the political parties to see their demands met. The shutdown strike throws into question the normalcy of daily life in Balochistan. While peaceful protests are a legitimate expression of dissent, prolonged disruptions can negatively impact the economy and public welfare. The situation demands a swift and transparent response from the authorities to address the accusations of rigging and restore public trust in the electoral process.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)