Pakistan opposition calls strike over vote claims

Pakistan’s main opposition, led by jailed former prime minister Imran Khan, has called for a nationwide strike to protest alleged widespread electoral fraud, intensifying political tensions and stoking fears of further instability. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) urged supporters, traders and transport workers to join a peaceful shutdown, saying mass action is needed to challenge what it describes as manipulation of vote counts and interference in the electoral process after recent elections. PTI leaders claim many of their candidates were denied victory through delayed results, tampered tallies and pressure on polling staff; the party contested the vote largely via independent candidates after losing its official symbol.

Khan, who remains imprisoned on convictions his supporters call politically motivated, has endorsed the strike via statements from his legal team, urging Pakistanis to reject what he terms a stolen mandate and saying elections under current conditions cannot produce a legitimate government. The government and election authorities reject claims of systematic fraud, urging legal channels to resolve complaints and warning that strikes could further damage an already fragile economy.

Business groups and economists cautioned that a shutdown would aggravate high inflation, a weak currency and obligations tied to international financial support; past strikes have disrupted supply chains, closed markets and cut daily wages for millions in informal work. PTI counters that economic pain is already widespread and that accepting disputed results would entrench an unaccountable system, arguing the strike will be peaceful and symbolic and asking supporters to avoid violence and protect property.

Security has been tightened in major cities, with increased police deployments around government buildings, transport hubs and sensitive sites; authorities have not ruled out restrictions on movement or gatherings should unrest spread. Previous clashes between demonstrators and security forces led to arrests and injuries, raising concerns about escalation.

The dispute reopens deep political divides stemming from Khan’s ouster in a 2022 no-confidence vote and his subsequent legal troubles, with supporters viewing him as a target of elite manipulation and opponents accusing him of undermining institutions. International observers have urged restraint, transparent legal processes and dialogue; some governments and rights groups expressed concern about vote credibility without endorsing fraud claims.