Pakistan's opposition PTI marks election anniversary with nationwide 'Black Day' protests

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) staged rallies across the country on Saturday to mark the first anniversary of the controversial February 8, 2024, general elections. The party, led by former Prime Minister Imran Khan, declared the day a “Black Day” in protest against alleged irregularities in last year’s polls.

The main event was held in Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where PTI supporters gathered despite heightened security measures.

Former provincial minister Taimur Saleem Khan Jhagra led the rally, calling for the release of Imran Khan and reparations for what he described as injustices against the public mandate.

Notably, former federal minister and current Chief Minister of KP Ali Amin Gandapur, who has historically led convoys of PTI workers, joined the protest but did not actively lead a convoy this time.

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The protest marked the first anniversary of the controversial February 8, 2024, general elections, which PTI has consistently alleged were marred by irregularities.

The party had initially planned a major gathering at Lahore’s Minar-i-Pakistan but was denied permission by both the Lahore deputy commissioner and the Lahore High Court. As a result, the PTI shifted to smaller protests across constituencies.

Section 144 imposed

Meanwhile, Section 144—which bans the assembly of four or more people—was enforced in Punjab, Balochistan, and Islamabad, as the government sought to prevent large-scale protests.

Authorities cited concerns over law and order and the protection of public property. The notification warned of potential anti-state activities by “mischief-mongers.”

Heavy police contingents were deployed at key points in Lahore, including Azadi Chowk, Shahdara Chowk, and Zaman Park. Water cannons and prisoner transport vans were on standby.

Despite the restrictions, small rallies emerged in various parts of Punjab, with PTI activists defying the ban. Several arrests were reported in Multan, including of party figures Meherbano Qureshi and Zahid Bahar Hashmi, who were detained for violating Section 144.

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In Karachi, PTI supporters were urged to gather at the Karachi Press Club to voice their demands. The party’s social media broadcast showed live footage of supporters assembling at different venues.

Government warns against state disruption

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif condemned the protests, asserting that “permission cannot be given to attack the state like May 9 or November 26.”

He accused PTI of amplifying unrest amid ongoing terrorism threats in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. “These rallies always coincide with events meant to boost Pakistan’s international image, such as the upcoming Champions Trophy,” he said.

Asif further alleged that PTI was negotiating behind closed doors with the establishment while simultaneously staging public protests. He questioned why similar rallies were not taking place in Sindh or Balochistan, suggesting the misuse of government resources in KP.