The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) announced on Thursday that it will hold a nationwide shutter-down strike and organize protests across Pakistan on February 8, alleging rigging in the last general elections. According to a statement following a joint parliamentary party meeting, these demonstrations will continue until the party’s demands for restoring the public mandate and safeguarding democratic and political rights are met.
The meeting reviewed the nation’s political, security, and provincial conditions, strongly condemning recent militant attacks in Balochistan and expressing sorrow over the deaths of both security personnel and civilians. Party members reiterated their commitment to national unity and combating militancy.
The statement also highlighted serious concern over the health of PTI founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan, urging authorities to provide him with full medical facilities and allow meetings without delay. The meeting welcomed the recent dialogue between KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, calling on the federal government to release pending funds for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including NFC allocations and net hydel profit dues.
Deprivation in former tribal districts was discussed, with demands for development funds, rehabilitation of families affected during winter, and assurance that the Frontier Crimes Regulation would not be reinstated. The party pledged support for jirga decisions aimed at restoring peace.
The PTI condemned violence against its workers in Sindh and Punjab, describing such acts as violations of constitutional and human rights. KP CM Afridi told reporters that despite worsening conditions, Khan instructed party workers to remain peaceful. He criticized the treatment of Khan and his family, calling it “medical terrorism,” and stated that protests had become the only recourse after exhausting legal options.
Afridi compared February 8 to dark chapters in Pakistan’s history, alleging election manipulation, denial of symbols and nominations, and the imposition of unqualified rulers. He emphasized that PTI will persist with demonstrations until its demands are fulfilled, with respected leaders overseeing both protest and negotiation efforts.
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