Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Khan Afridi announced a nationwide shutdown on February 8 to protest alleged electoral fraud during the general elections and demand the release of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan.
During street movement tours in Swabi district, including Shewa Adda, Topi, and Anbar, Afridi called for a complete strike across Pakistan. He urged citizens to keep all shops, markets, businesses, trucks, rickshaws, CNG pumps, and other commercial activities closed for the day.
“On February 8, stay home,” he said, framing the action as a peaceful demonstration under the banner of protecting the Constitution. Afridi emphasized that the one-day protest centers on securing Imran’s freedom, stating they would “secure his release and make him prime minister.”
He accused the federal government of violating the Constitution by stealing PTI’s mandate in the February 8, 2024, elections. Afridi highlighted concerns over Imran’s health, alleging that an eye operation was performed secretly without informing his family or personal doctors. Requests for meetings with Imran by relatives and physicians have been repeatedly denied.
Afridi dismissed allegations of intimidation, stating he is unafraid. He referenced the Tirah operation as a government tactic to turn Pakhtuns against PTI but asserted that the street movement has already disrupted the government’s plans. Afridi warned all Pakistanis to prepare for further action and stressed unity among other political parties.
He praised the visible passion in people’s eyes, claiming it surpassed anything seen in his 18 years of political experience, vowing that those who tried to corner PTI would find no place to hide once the public sought justice. The announcement aligns with broader opposition calls for protests on the second anniversary of the 2024 polls, which PTI alleges were rigged. Afridi stressed unity and challenged other parties to mobilize crowds in support of Imran’s release.