CM KP Gandapur Insists on February 8 Protests Despite No Approval

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has made it clear that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will proceed with its planned protests on February 8, 2025, despite no formal approval from authorities. In a video statement released Thursday, Gandapur urged party workers across the country to take to the streets, emphasizing that overseas Pakistanis should also join the protest.

“Every Pakistani should protest against the snatching of the public mandate. The situation is reminiscent of 1971 when the country was divided after a similar injustice,” Gandapur said, invoking a historical comparison.

The PTI’s planned protests include a large public rally in Swabi, and Gandapur called on party workers to gather in large numbers to demonstrate their solidarity.

In parallel, the Lahore district administration was expected to decide whether the PTI would be granted permission for their protests. A meeting was held at the Lahore Deputy Commissioner’s office to discuss the matter, but no final decision had been made as of the latest reports.

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Meanwhile, PTI Punjab chapter revealed its plan for February 8, which includes protests across all provincial and national assembly constituencies in the province. Provincial assembly members and ticket holders have been tasked with leading rallies in their respective areas.

Sources revealed that no alternative venue would be accepted for the gathering and that the protest locations would be kept confidential due to concerns about possible arrests. The situation remains tense as PTI presses forward with its calls for mass mobilization on February 8.