Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Secretary of Information, Sheikh Waqas Akram, has assured that the February 8 protest will be peaceful, constitutional, and significant in scale.
Speaking on ARY News’ program Aiteraz Hai, he stated that the rally in Swabi will involve participants from across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), as well as protests in three provinces, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. Emphasizing the right to protest, he expressed confusion over the criticism it has drawn.
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Addressing the Peca Act, Akram clarified that the draft under PTI’s government was different from the current version. He also noted that the Speaker’s office functions as a facilitator, not a representative of any party or government. Negotiations between political parties, he added, should take place in a free and open environment, without being tied to any official office.
Akram revealed that over 5,000 PTI workers were arrested on November 26, but the party arranged bail, surety bonds, food, and other support for them in jail. He affirmed PTI’s continued commitment to its workers, highlighting that they are prepared to protest again because of the party’s unwavering support.
He dismissed claims that PTI’s founder would struggle to survive in jail, asserting that KP’s mobilization efforts and the resilience of its workers have turned them into “warriors.” He also clarified that Juned Akbar, a close ally, is his brother, further emphasizing KP workers’ strength and dedication.
Akram called on the President, Chief Justice, and High Court judges to address judicial matters, particularly under Article 200, urging collective action on decisions involving Islamabad High Court judges.
