Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Announces ‘Black Day’ Across Balochistan Against February 8 Elections

**Quetta (Daily Qudrat Quetta):** Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) Balochistan has announced that the province will observe a “Black Day” to protest against the February 8, 2024 elections, which the party describes as controversial, severely flawed, and systematically rigged.

According to a provincial press release, under directives from the central party leadership, the day will be marked by massive protest demonstrations, rallies, and public gatherings across all districts, divisional, and district headquarters in Balochistan.

The press release stated that the elections involved deliberate manipulation of public opinion, undermining the foundations of democracy and openly mocking the Constitution of Pakistan. JUI emphasized that the blatant violation of the public mandate cannot be accepted under any circumstances.

Highlighting the hardships faced by the people of Balochistan, including inflation, unemployment, insecurity, and lawlessness, the party said depriving citizens of their right to vote amounts to grave injustice against the province’s oppressed population. JUI Balochistan declared that it stands with the public in defending their constitutional and democratic rights.

The press release further stated that on the occasion of the Black Day, patriotic citizens will protest against governance measures contrary to the principles of the Quran and Shariah. JUI asserted that Shariah, the Constitution, and democracy are mutually reinforcing, and weakening any one of these threatens national security and stability.

JUI Balochistan emphasized that it will not tolerate any interference in the public mandate and will use all constitutional, democratic, and peaceful means to protect Shariah, the Constitution, and democracy. Party workers, district, and local officials were instructed to fully prepare for the Black Day and ensure that all protest programs are organized, dignified, and peaceful.