Manan Mandokhail:Â
QUETTA: Political and religious parties in Balochistan have intensified their protests against alleged election irregularities, including rigging, manipulation of results, and delays in announcing election results. The demonstrations have led to the blockage of vital highways and the implementation of shutter-down strikes in several cities, causing significant disruption to travel and hindering the movement of goods.
Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch, Chief of the National Party (NP), expressed discontent, stating, “We do not accept these rigged elections.” NP has been actively protesting in the Kech district against the alleged irregularities.
Major Routes Affected By Blockades
Major routes affected by the blockades include the Quetta-Chaman Highway, Quetta-Dera Ghazi Khan Road, Quetta-Sibi Road, Kolpur, Ketch Turbat Road, and Zero Point in Gwadar.
Mehmood Khan Achakzai, Chief of Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party (PKMAP), asserted, “I will not be part of this parliament until our seats are restored.”
Roads In Quetta Blocked
In Quetta, various political and religious factions strategically blocked major intersections, including the Eastern Bypass, Western Bypass, Imdad Chowk, Gwalmandi Chowk, GPO Chowk, Spini Road, and Brewery Road, paralyzing vehicular movement and disrupting daily routines.
Syed Abdul Wahid Agha, a candidate from JUI, affirmed, “Our protest will continue.”
The protest movement escalated in Chaman, where demonstrators halted a passenger train, further intensifying chaos and amplifying the impact of the protests.
