JUI protests ‘result manipulation’ in PB-45 by-polls

QUETTA: A wheel jam strike was observed, and the national highways of Balochistan were blocked by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) to protest alleged alteration of results in the by-election for Provincial Assembly Constituency PB-45 Quetta.

According to the details, on Wednesday, in reaction to the alleged manipulation of the by-election results, key national highways were blocked at Baleli, Pishin (Yaro Pul), Qilla Abdullah (Syed Hamid Cross), Chaman District (Gardang), Mastung (Nawab Hotel), Othal, Loralai (Shanwari Hotel), DG Khan Road, Hub, Lasbela, Khuzdar, Awaran, Sorab, Kalat, Qilla Saifullah, Ziarat (Pechi Dam Road), Osta Muhammad, Dera Allah Yar and other areas.

The highways were obstructed with barriers, and tires were set on fire, halting traffic. This created long vehicle lines on national highways, causing significant inconvenience for travelers, transporters, and drivers.

JUI Balochistan leaders including Maulana Abdul Wasay, Maulana Sarwar Khan, Maulana Ghulam Din Kabzai, and others stated that their candidate, Mir Usman Pirkani, had won by a significant majority at 15 polling stations in PB 45 Quetta VIII, as confirmed by Form 45. However, the Election Commission declared the ruling party’s candidate victorious in Form 47, which they view as an attack on democracy.

Speakers at the blockade sites claimed that the same fraudulent process from the February 8 elections was repeated on January 5, 2025, and that the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam mandate had been stolen.

They referred to this as the “murder of democracy,” alleging that the victory of the government candidate was rigged through organised manipulation, including blocking Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam leaders and polling agents from entering the Returning Officer’s office.

They also claimed that mobile services were shut down in Quetta in response to the shutter-down strike.

The protest leaders maintained that they got Form 45 from the 15 polling stations, which shows that Ali Madad Jatak received 680 votes and Usman Pirkani received over 6,000 votes.

Following instructions from Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Balochistan’s provincial Ameer, Senator Maulana Abdul Wasay, all highways were reopened for traffic at 2:00pm.