Pakistan opposition alliance announces Feb 8 shutdown to protest 2024 election results

A coalition of opposition parties in Pakistan, led by Tehreek Tahaffuz Aain Pakistan (TTAP), has announced a nationwide shutdown on Feb. 8 to protest what it calls “policies of repression” by the government.

The alliance said it would mobilize citizens to peacefully exercise their constitutional right to protest.

The protest is also aimed at registering the coalition’s claim that the Feb. 8, 2024 general election was rigged, denying Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) its mandate, an allegation the government rejects.

TTAP, also known as the Movement for the Protection of Pakistan’s Constitution, is an alliance formed by several opposition parties to coordinate protests and political action against the ruling coalition. It is led by Mahmood Khan Achakzai, head of the Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party.

Addressing supporters, Achakzai said the movement would begin a nationwide awareness campaign, with videos released across the country and party workers engaging shopkeepers, residents, youth, elders and women to build support for the shutdown.

He urged people to cooperate peacefully for one day, adding that the movement could escalate to a “jail bharo” (mass arrest) campaign if the government continued to suppress dissent.

“We will use our basic human and constitutional rights and present our stance in a completely peaceful manner,” Achakzai said. “If required, we are ready to go to jail and take this struggle forward.”

Under the shutdown plan, shops will close, transport services will be suspended and business activity will be halted nationwide. Movement leaders said the action was only the first phase of their protest strategy.

The announcement comes amid ongoing tensions between the main opposition party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the ruling coalition. PTI leaders, who have repeatedly staged protests since the 2024 elections, have frequently clashed with authorities, with many demonstrations met by police action and security measures.

A PTI parliamentary party meeting was also held at the Punjab Assembly on Monday under Secretary General Salman Akram Raja. Party lawmakers said they would support the Feb. 8 shutdown and take responsibility for mobilizing voters in their constituencies.

Mazari solidarity visit

A delegation of opposition leaders led by Achakzai also visited the home of former federal minister Shireen Mazari to show support for her daughter human rights activists Advocate Imaan Mazari and Advocate Hadi Ali Chatha, who have been detained.

Opposition leaders condemned the arrests, saying they were intended to stifle dissent. Barrister Gohar Khan criticized the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and accused the government of using legal tools to curb freedom of expression.

“Our struggle is for the rule of law, not the rule of fear,” he said, calling for transparent trials and fair hearings.

Opposition leader Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar warned that Pakistan risked slipping into authoritarianism, drawing parallels with countries that have experienced democratic backsliding. He accused the government of undermining democratic values following what he described as the “theft of the public mandate” in the Feb. 8, 2024 election.

The alliance said it remained committed to protecting constitutional rights, democracy and freedom of expression in Pakistan.