Imran Khan’s supporters and other parties blocked highways to protest the recent controversial election results. Thousands of supporters of Pakistan’s convicted former PM Imran Khan and members of other political parties blocked major highways in Pakistan’s volatile southwest on Monday to protest rigging of last week’s election.

The commencement of a nationwide strike follows Thursday’s parliamentary vote, marked by allegations of electoral malpractice, an unprecedented mobile phone shutdown, and the exclusion of Imran Khan and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Party (PTI). Despite the celebration of election winners, PTI and other parties remain adamant in their refusal to acknowledge defeat in numerous constituencies. Over the weekend, dozens of Khan’s supporters were briefly detained in Lahore during a protest against perceived vote-rigging.

Jan Achakzai, the occupying government spokesperson in Pakistan occupied Balochistan, urged Imran Khan’s supporters to “show grace” by accepting defeat and vacating the highways. Imran Khan, unable to contest the election due to criminal convictions he deems politically motivated, saw candidates backed by him winning more seats than the parties that ousted him nearly two years ago. Final figures published on Sunday reveal that no party secured a majority, necessitating negotiations to form a coalition government.

With 101 out of 266 seats in the National Assembly won by candidates allied with Khan, the Pakistan Muslim League (N) led by Nawaz Sharif secured 75 seats, while the Pakistan People’s Party under Bilawal Bhutto Zardari stood third with 54 seats. One result was withheld, and another vote was postponed due to the death of a candidate. Nawaz Sharif is currently engaged in negotiations with allies to form a coalition government, as the new parliament prepares to elect the country’s next prime minister. The campaign to oust Khan in 2022 was jointly led by the Muslim League-N and the PPP.

In a harrowing incident that has sent shockwaves through the community, a young Pashtun man named Ghani was found dead after having gone missing just days ago in Bara Akakhel, Khyber District. The circumstances surrounding his disappearance and subsequent demise have raised serious questions about the security of Pashtuns and the prevailing law and order in the region.

Initial reports indicate that Ghani’s disappearance may be linked to Pakistan Army for his vocal stance against Pakistani oppression, a sentiment echoed by many Pashtuns who have faced persecution. Disturbingly, the involvement of the Pakistan Army in the killing, citing a pattern of targeting Pashtuns who speak out against injustices.

Pashtuns, who have long endured mistreatment at the hands of both the Pakistan Army and the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), have increasingly voiced their concerns and frustrations. The community has time and again raised the issues of forced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and overall systemic discrimination.

The death of Ghani, seen as a tragic symbol of the challenges faced by Pashtuns, has reignited calls for justice and accountability. The incident is further fueling the ongoing debate over the need for improved security measures to safeguard the lives of Pashtun individuals and address the broader issues of human rights violations.

In a distressing turn of events, a series of attacks by unidentified assailants, have targeted historic Hindu temples in Sitakunda, Bangladesh. The assaults occurred during the night of February 9, resulting in the demolition of seven temples, each with significant cultural and religious importance.

The targeted temples include the revered Sitakunda Mahateertha Chandranath Mandir, where Hanuman vigraha was forcibly removed from the temple and discarded into the forest.

The Trinath Murti within the Trinath Mandir was also smashed, while the Annapoorna Mandir suffered complete destruction. Furthermore, a Jagannatha Mandir and several other unidentified temples and vigrahas were targeted and vandalised by the attackers, who left a trail of devastation.

The attacks have sparked outrage among the community, as many express their condemnation and call for swift action against those responsible. The assaults on these centuries-old temples raise questions about the safety of religious sites and the need for enhanced security measures to protect cultural heritage.

With due consideration, Sitakunda is refered to as “Mahateerth” (A great pilgrimage site) and is one of the most sacred Hindu temples in Bangladesh. The incidents highlights the lack of protection and vulnerability of Hindus in highly radicalised Islamic Society like Bangladesh.