PTI Observes Black Day With Nationwide Protest

ISLAMABAD: (Web Desk) – Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is observing a nationwide protest today, declaring February 8 as a “Black Day” to protest alleged rigging in the February 8, 2024 general elections.

PTI Secretary Information Sheikh Waqas Akram said the Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Aaeen Pakistan has called for a peaceful shutter-down and wheel-jam strike, with PTI extending full support to the initiative. He urged citizens to participate calmly, stating that markets, businesses, transport, and commercial activity would remain closed across the country.

PTI maintains that it was deprived of its electoral mandate through large-scale rigging. Despite contesting the polls without its traditional ‘bat’ symbol, the party secured a third consecutive term in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and emerged as the largest opposition party in the National Assembly, but insists the overall results were manipulated.

Over the past two years, PTI leadership — including imprisoned party founder Imran Khan — has faced multiple legal challenges, while party workers and leaders continue to face crackdowns, according to the party.

PTI KP leaders split over February 8 protest plan

In a video message, Sheikh Waqas appealed to citizens to remain indoors throughout the day, offer Maghrib prayers collectively at nearby mosques, and pray for the release of Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi, and other political prisoners. After prayers, he called on people to peacefully demonstrate in their localities by switching on mobile phone lights or carrying torches.

PTI’s official X account repeatedly emphasized that the protest will remain strictly peaceful, warning supporters against any form of violence or coercion. Citizens were advised to stock essential groceries and medicines and ensure torches and power banks are available.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the party will hold a foot march in Peshawar from Hasht Nagri Darwaza to Chowk-e-Yadgar, where senior leaders are expected to address supporters.

As Pakistan witnesses this nationwide political action, attention remains focused on how the protest unfolds and how the government responds to what PTI calls a defining moment for democracy.