Protests Emerge Across Pakistan Over Alleged Election Rigging
ISLAMABAD: Amid allegations of rigging in the general elections held on February 8, at least seven political parties across Pakistan have announced protests, signaling growing discontent with the election process.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers have led protests in multiple locations, particularly in front of Returning Officer (RO) offices. Incidents have been reported in various parts of Punjab and Islamabad, with one protest in Lahore dispersed by police force.
PTI has also organized demonstrations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where unsuccessful candidates have raised concerns. However, one protest in Shangla turned violent, resulting in three fatalities.
Meanwhile, the Awami National Party has called for constituency examinations and has threatened street protests if its demands are not met. In Karachi, the party staged a protest outside the headquarters of the Election Commission of Pakistan.
Jamat-e-Islami and Jamiat-e-Ulema Fazl have initiated protests in different areas of Karachi, leading to road blockages and potential escalation in the coming days.
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In Sindh, the Grand Democratic Alliance announced a boycott of the Sindh Assembly and scheduled a sit-in for February 16, citing delayed election results.
In Balochistan, multiple parties, including Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, National Party, JUI-F, BNP-Mengal, and PTI, have also announced protests against alleged irregularities.
An unexpected move came from the Pakistan Peoples Party’s Balochistan leader, Changez Khan Jamali, who announced protests despite the PPP’s lack of protests in other parts of the country.
