A shutterdown strike is being observed across Balochistan by four political parties including BNP, Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, Hazara Democratic Party and National Party against alleged rigging in the February 8 polls.
As per reports, following roads have been closed as workers of the BNP and NP took to the streets including Quetta-Chamman highway at Baleli, Quetta-Karachi highway at Mastung, Quetta-Jacobabad highway at Sibi, near the Darakshan Housing Scheme, Gwadar-Karachi highway at Sarband, Quetta, Sindh-Balochistan highway at Hub, Balochistan-Punjab highway at Barkhan, DI Khan-Zhob highway was shut at both places and the coastal highway was shut at Ormara.
It is pertinent to note that Balochistan home minister Jan Achakzai claimed that four parties led protest have been failed and rejected by the people of the Balochistan.
Pakistan-Iran RCD highway have been blocked in Dalbandin owing to a protest against the call of the four-party alliance in Chagi.
Balochistan’s political landscape simmers with contrasting scenes following the Thursday’s general elections. While losing candidates stage protests and demand recounts, successful parties scramble to form a coalition government.
As losing candidates express their discontent through sit-ins at 16 different locations in Balochistan, the political climate intensifies.
In response to the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party's (PKMAP) request, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has issued a notification for the recount of votes in seven constituencies across Balochistan. This recount will encompass constituencies PB-40, 41, 43, 48, 49, 50, 51, and PB-21, with Returning Officers directed to carry out the process in accordance with the law.
While protests unfold, successful political parties are actively working towards government formation. The Pakistan People's Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) are set to join forces in a coalition government in Balochistan. However, optimism within the PML-N is directed towards incorporating independent members into their alliance.
For the role of Chief Minister in Balochistan, notable figures from the respective parties have emerged as strong contenders.
Mir Sarfraz Bugti and Nawab Sanaullah Zehri from the PPP, Jam Kamal Khan from the PML-N, and Nawab Aslam Raisani from the JUI are among the prominent candidates vying for this influential position.
The question of which political party will assume leadership in Balochistan awaits a definitive answer as negotiations and alliances continue to unfold.
Earlier, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Jam Kamal said on Thursday that it was up to all the political parties to play their role in improving the situation in the province.
Addressing the press conference in Quetta, the former Balochistan chief minister stressed the need for uplifting Balochistan, saying, "We have to think about Balochistan now."
Kamal said, "We are having contacts with other political parties."
