PTI marks Feb 8 as ‘Black Day’ with nationwide peaceful shutdown protest

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is observing nationwide protests today, declaring February 8 as a “black day” in response to the alleged rigging in the February 8, 2024 general elections.

PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram said that the Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Pakistan (TTP) has called for a peaceful shutter-down and wheel-jam strike and PTI has pledged full support for the action.

The Sheikh said that shops, businesses, markets and transport will all remain closed across Pakistan, appealing to citizens to participate in the protest peacefully.

Imran Khan’s party claims that it was successfully cheated in the February 8 elections, alleging that there was widespread rigging that stole its mandate. The party contested the elections without the ‘bat’ election symbol, yet it secured a historic third term in KP and emerged as the largest opposition party in the National Assembly – but insists that the results were rigged.

The party leadership, including jailed chairman Imran Khan, has faced several legal battles in the past two years, with party leaders and workers also being targeted in ongoing crackdowns by the authorities.

In his clip, Sheikh Waqas addressed the nation, asking citizens to stay indoors all day, offer Maghrib prayers in congregation at nearby mosques, and pray for the release of Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi, and all political prisoners.

After the prayers, he urged people to take to the streets with mobile phone lights or hand-held flashlights, and participate in peaceful rallies in their neighborhoods to express their anger and dissatisfaction.

PTI’s X account repeatedly stressed that the protests would be completely peaceful, and that shutter-down and wheel-jam activities should not involve force or violence. Citizens are advised to stock up on food and medicine and ensure that power banks, flashlights, and extra batteries are ready in case of emergencies.

In KP, the PTI’s home city, the party will march on foot from Hashtnagri Gate to Chowk Yadgar in Peshawar in the afternoon, with provincial leaders addressing the crowd.

As Pakistan gears up for today’s unprecedented nationwide action, all eyes are on the PTI and the government, with the country witnessing political clashes of historic proportions.