Thousands of supporters of Pakistan‘s jailed ex-prime minister Imran Khan, along with members of other political parties, have initiated a day-long strike, blocking major roads in the volatile southwest region today.”
The protesters took to the streets, expressing outrage over allegations of rigging in last week’s national elections following the exclusion of Mr. Khan and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party (PTI).
Dozens of Mr. Khan’s supporters were briefly detained in the eastern city of Lahore over the weekend for protesting alleged vote-rigging.
Jan Achakzai, a government spokesman in the southwestern province of Baluchistan, called on protesters to “show grace” by accepting defeat.
Police had previously warned that they would crackdown on illegal gatherings, citing a Section 144 order, a colonial-era law that prohibits demonstrations.
Mr. Khan was barred from standing due to criminal convictions that he alleges are politically motivated.
However, candidates supported by Mr. Khan secured more seats than the political parties that removed him from power nearly two years ago.
No party secured a majority. Therefore, the parties will need to engage in talks to form a coalition government. The new parliament will then select the country’s next prime minister.
Candidates aligned with Mr. Khan secured 101 out of 266 seats in the National Assembly, the lower house of parliament.
The Pakistan Muslim League-N party, led by three-time prime minister and former convict Nawaz Sharif, secured 75 seats.
Mr. Sharif is currently engaged in discussions with allies to form a coalition government. The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), led by Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, came in third with 54 seats. Additionally, one result has been withheld, and another vote was postponed due to a candidate’s death.