SWABI/LAHORE/MULTAN:
Amid the enforcement of Section 144 and ongoing deadlock with the government over long-standing grievances, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) staged nationwide protests on Saturday, observing a ‘Black Day’ to mark what it claims was election rigging that deprived it of its mandate last year.
Despite stringent security measures, multiple arrests, and restrictions on public gatherings, PTI activists took to the streets in defiance. Among those detained was Meher Bano, daughter of senior PTI leader and former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.
Law enforcement agencies maintained a tight grip on demonstrators, particularly in Punjab, where the PML-N-led government had imposed Section 144. However, PTI supporters managed to hold scattered protests across the province, led by lawmakers and party activists.
Key figures such as PTI Central Punjab leader Hammad Azhar, Mehar Sharafat, and Engineer Muzamil Salahuddin spearheaded rallies in Lahore. Similar demonstrations were reported in multiple cities, including Okara, Dipalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Khanpur, Haroonabad, Jafarabad, Shakargarh, Chichawatni, Faisalabad, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Azad Kashmir, Muzaffargarh, Gujrat, Kot Addu, Sheikhupura, and Rajanpur. PTI workers and parliamentarians participated despite a heavy police presence.
In Multan, authorities deployed large contingents of police at strategic points, including Chungi No 9, Ghunghat Chowk, Nawan Shahr Chowk, and Chowk Kacheri, where PTI demonstrators gathered. Leading one such protest, Meher Bano and Zahid Bahar Hashmi were detained along with other activists as police swiftly dispersed the crowd and transported detainees to nearby police stations.
Undeterred by these tactics, PTI reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful demonstrations. While avoiding any confrontation on February 8, the party announced a large rally in Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, calling on supporters nationwide to participate.
Originally, PTI sought permission to hold a rally at Minar-e-Pakistan in Lahore, but the request was denied by Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza, citing security concerns due to concurrent events such as an international speakers’ conference, a cricket match, and a horse and cattle show, all requiring increased security.
PTI General Secretary Salman Akram Raja clarified that the party’s protests would remain at the tehsil and union council levels, with the main gathering set for Swabi. He assured that PTI had no intention of inciting disorder.
Swabi Rally: A Message of Resistance
At a large rally in Swabi, PTI leaders delivered impassioned speeches condemning alleged election fraud, institutional failure, and unconstitutional governance. They reaffirmed their commitment to reclaiming the party’s stolen mandate, emphasizing that the people would not tolerate continued injustice.
Junaid Akbar, PTI’s newly appointed provincial president, declared that institutions should function within their constitutional limits. “This rally is a message to those who believe PTI has lost its momentum. Institutions gain strength when people stand with them, and we respect them,” he stated, expressing concern over the growing disconnect between institutions and the public.
Later, at the Swabi Interchange—marking the first anniversary of the February 8, 2024, elections, now termed “Black Day” by PTI—Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur pledged unwavering dedication to upholding the rule of law under Imran Khan’s leadership.
“We are determined to ensure constitutional supremacy and justice. Anyone who stands in our way will be met with resistance. We demand that our stolen mandate be returned,” he declared. Gandapur urged state institutions to represent the people rather than those accused of electoral manipulation.
Addressing the army chief, he stated, “We must unite against terrorism and sever ties with corrupt rulers.” He accused the federal government of fueling conflicts between institutions and demanded constitutional adherence for national stability.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar emphasized that a political resolution was essential for Pakistan’s progress. He recalled Imran Khan’s past appeals for dialogue, stating that while PTI had formed committees for negotiations, the government remained uncooperative. “Imran Khan will call again, and we must be ready,” he urged party members.
Gohar warned that PTI could not function without Imran Khan, vowing that the injustice of the previous elections would never be forgotten.
Mahmood Khan Achakzai, president of the opposition alliance, called for national unity, asserting that a truly united opposition could dismantle the current government within three months. He labeled the ruling regime as corrupt and illegitimate.
PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram alleged that the elections were manipulated to facilitate the passage of the 26th Amendment, allowing government influence over judicial appointments and verdicts. Quoting Imran Khan, he reiterated that PTI would not accept such unconstitutional actions.
Despite the challenges, PTI remains steadfast in its mission to restore what it sees as electoral integrity, signaling continued resistance against what it calls an imposed government.
