Pakistan general elections: Protests erupt in Balochistan over ‘election rigging and military intimidation’

Following Pakistan’s general elections, protests have erupted in Balochistan as allegations were raised that there has been electoral interference that has allegedly favoured certain political parties, as reported by The Balochistan Post.

The election results that were announced on Thursday last week resulted in victories for the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) in Balochistan.

However, critics alleged that these parties’ candidates in Balochistan enjoyed the backing of the military establishment.

Moreover, several political parties are contesting the election outcomes and have been raising significant concerns over the fairness and integrity of the electoral process, according to The Balochistan Post.

They further argued that the military apparatus manipulated the election outcomes in favour of candidates aligned with military interests, especially in areas characterised by lower voter turnout or the absence of polling stations.

Subsequently, in response, parties including the Balochistan National Party (Mengal), National Party, Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, Hazara Democratic Party, along with religious parties, initiated protests on Friday.

They demonstrated, protested, blocked highway and organised sit-ins to draw attention to their grievances, The Balochistan Post reported.