AFP/File
Pakistan’s jailed opposition leader Imran Khan has declared Feb. 8 a “black day” and called on his party workers to protest one year after the 2024 general elections, which his party claims were rigged.
The former prime minister’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) alleges that the election results were manipulated through tampering with Form-47, leading to what it calls a “fabricated mandate” in favor of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). PTI leaders and workers have faced continuous persecution throughout the year, the party says.
Swabi rally at the center of PTI's protest plan
National Assembly Opposition Leader Omar Ayub urged party workers to gather in Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on Feb. 8. “Our votes were stolen last year on Feb. 8,” Ayub told Nukta. “You must reach Swabi at 2:00 p.m. to show solidarity with Imran Khan.”
Junaid Akbar Khan, PTI’s newly appointed president for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, expects a massive turnout. “Tomorrow will be the biggest gathering in KP’s history,” he told Nukta. “Imran Khan personally directed me to focus on the Feb. 8 rally.”
Junaid Akbar, who took charge 10 days ago, said he has coordinated with districts to ensure participation. “I’ll be the last to enter the rally venue after confirming everyone has arrived,” he said. He added that PTI is ending “investor culture” in the party. “We won’t take money from MNAs or MPAs. Workers should either reach Swabi on their own or donate PKR 2,000–3,000 to help others attend.”
Supporters of the former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), attend a protest demanding the release of Khan, in Islamabad, Pakistan, November 26, 2024.
Reuters
The Swabi rally is also seen as a leadership test for Junaid Akbar after taking the KP party role from Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur. Nukta’s Peshawar correspondent, Kamran Ali, noted a shift in PTI’s mobilization strategy. “Previously, CM House managed these events, and Ali Amin Gandapur financed logistics. Now, Junaid Akbar has asked workers to come independently, without party funding.”
Swabi’s location, bordering Punjab, is expected to attract large numbers from nearby districts, including Attock, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad.
Police crackdown and security uncertainty
Authorities have imposed Section 144 in Islamabad and Punjab ahead of PTI’s planned protest on Feb. 8.
PTI’s Islamabad President Amir Mughal told Nukta that police have begun targeting party workers. “A crackdown is underway,” he said. “We’ve already seen police raids on nearly all PTI office bearers in Islamabad, including the homes of Advocate Shoaib Shaheen and myself.”
However, Islamabad Police denied these claims. A police spokesperson told Nukta that Inspector General Islamabad had not issued any directives regarding Feb. 8. “Reports of a crackdown are fake and fabricated,” the spokesperson said.
In Punjab, PTI’s Chief Organizer Aliya Hamza said the province has faced the harshest police crackdown ahead of the protests. “Even I’m not staying at my house due to police raids,” she said. “Three of our workers were unlawfully abducted by law enforcement, and we’ve filed a habeas corpus petition.”
GIF from a video showing shelling as PTI marchers progress towards Islamabad.
Nukta
Hamza said Punjab PTI has divided the province into four regions for protests. “North Punjab will go to Swabi, while central, south, and west Punjab will hold demonstrations in their own constituencies.”
Despite PTI’s plans, Lahore authorities have denied the party permission to hold a rally at Minar-e-Pakistan. Nukta’s Lahore Editor Murtaza Dar said it’s unclear whether PTI will gather in large numbers. “There’s already heavy traffic congestion due to high-profile events in the city,” he said.
Karachi braces for PTI rallies
In Karachi, PTI Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh said the party will stage rallies from 26 towns, culminating in a protest at the Press Club. “We are ready for any crackdown by Sindh Police,” he told Nukta.
However, Nukta’s Karachi correspondent, Ahmer Rehman Khan, reported that police are preparing to arrest PTI workers. “There’s been no visible party mobilization,” he said. “If workers attempt to protest, they might face immediate arrests.”
With protests set to unfold nationwide, tensions between PTI and the government are expected to escalate further, one year after the disputed general elections.
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