Thousands of Pakistan traders close their shops, striking over soaring energy and fuel bills stirring widespread discontent ahead of national elections. Decades of mismanagement and instability have hobbled Pakistan's economy, and this summer Islamabad was forced into a deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to avert default. However, the global lender demanded that popular subsidies cushioning living costs be slashed, leading to soaring petrol and electricity prices. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES