JUI-F strike halts Balochistan traffic

A complete wheel jam strike was observed across Balochistan on Wednesday on the call of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) against the alleged poll rigging in PB-45 Quetta.

Protesters blocked key highways, including the Karachi Highway, Chaman Highway at Syed Hamid Cross, and the Quetta-Islamabad Highway, disrupting traffic and calling on the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to withhold the victory notification for Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) candidate Ali Madad Jattak.

The party alleged that the election was rigged and engineered to favor certain candidates and turn JUI-F victory into defeat.

Maulana Abdul Wasay, JUI-F provincial chief, reiterated the party's stance, declaring that they would neither accept the election results nor remain silent.

He stated that the party would continue its political and legal efforts to ensure justice, describing the strike as a peaceful protest to highlight electoral irregularities.

The strike caused significant inconvenience to travelers, with passengers stranded for hours on blocked roads.

Women, children, the elderly, and patients faced particular difficulties as they were unable to reach their destinations. Abdul Hameed, a resident of Chaman, expressed frustration over the delays.

A local Noor Bibi, traveling from Karachi to Quetta, criticized the strike for its impact on ordinary people.

She said the protesters should not close the main roads as it created problems for the general public.

Although the strike disrupted traffic across the province, no violent incidents were reported.

Authorities confirmed that the demonstrations concluded peacefully.

JUI-F has vowed to persist with its protests until their demands are addressed.