QUETTA: The JUI-F, while rejecting the results from 15 polling stations in the by-election for Quetta’s PB-45 constituency, has called for a wheel-jam strike across Balochistan on Jan 8 in protest against alleged rigging.

Speaking at a press conference here on Monday, JUI-F’s provincial emir Senator Maulana Abdul Wasey claimed that his party’s candidate had won the election, but the election commission and provincial government “manipulated the results in favour of PPP candidate Ali Madad Jattak “through Form 47, as they had done during the general elections”.

Mr Wasey, who was flanked by Senator Kamran Murtaza and Usman Pirkani, said they were initially satisfied with Form 45, but before Form 47 could be finalised, containers were placed at various locations in the city. He claimed that after 5pm, their candidates and polling agents were denied access to the RO office, while other candidates were allowed entry.

Senator Wasey also pointed out that mobile and internet services were not disrupted during the activities of miscreants. However, after the results of PB-45 were announced, mobile networks were shut down in Quetta, and the shutdown is still ongoing, he added.

He warned that if any obstacles were placed in the way of the wheel-jam strike, the government would be held responsible for the consequences.

He also announced a series of protests against border closures, starting in Chaman on January 20, with further protests scheduled in other areas of Balochistan from Feb 9 to 17.

Published in Dawn, January 7th, 2025

Opinion

Editorial

Going dry
Updated 07 Apr, 2025

Going dry

Authorities should refrain from undertaking any water scheme that infringes on rights of any federating unit to avoid more controversies.
Afghan return
07 Apr, 2025

Afghan return

AS expected, the government of Pakistan is moving ahead with its plan to forcibly repatriate Afghan Citizenship Card...
Hurting women
07 Apr, 2025

Hurting women

MONTH after month, the figures of crimes against women in the country indicate that our society is close to...
Not cricket
Updated 06 Apr, 2025

Not cricket

It is high time that the PCB sets things right; even if it demands a complete overhaul of the system.
Balochistan deadlock
Updated 06 Apr, 2025

Balochistan deadlock

Akhtar Mengal’s demands to release women activists should seriously be considered.
Escalating brutality
Updated 06 Apr, 2025

Escalating brutality

The world’s patience is running out. Israel must be held accountable under international law for war crimes.