Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Calls for Nationwide Protests on February 8

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) announced on Thursday that it would observe a nationwide strike and hold protests across the country on February 8 in response to allegations of election rigging. PTI condemned recent militant attacks in Balochistan, expressed grief over security personnel and civilian deaths, and reaffirmed its commitment to national unity against militancy.

The party’s statement also highlighted concerns for the health of founder and former prime minister Imran Khan, demanding immediate medical facilities and allowing him access to family members without delay. PTI welcomed a recent meeting between KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif but called on the federal government to address Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s financial issues, including the release of overdue funds from the National Finance Commission (NFC), net hydroelectric profit (NHP), and other dues.

PTI pledged not to reimpose the Frontier Crimes Regulation in the former tribal districts and demanded immediate rehabilitation for families affected during winter. The party voiced full support for jirga decisions and efforts to restore peace in the tribal areas, while also calling on federal authorities to take urgent steps to resolve Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s financial issues.

PTI declared it would observe a peaceful strike and protest day on February 8, with demonstrations continuing until its demands are met. The party condemned violence against PTI workers in Sindh and Punjab, considering such incidents as violations of the constitution, democracy, and fundamental human rights.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, speaking to reporters, instructed PTI workers not to take the law into their own hands despite deteriorating conditions in the country. Afridi expressed nationwide concern over Imran Khan’s health, accusing his wife of unlawful detention and sisters of being denied meetings with him. He claimed that chemical-laced water was poured on Khan’s sisters every Tuesday, describing this as an act of extreme injustice.

Afridi highlighted Khan’s imprisonment by a former prime minister and leader of the largest political party, stating he underwent eye surgery without his personal doctor’s presence, in an inaccessible location. Afridi described the treatment as “medical terrorism,” asserting that protests had become necessary due to exhausted legal avenues.

He also praised opposition leaders Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Raja Nasir Abbas for their responsibilities related to protest and negotiation, while emphasizing that February 8 marked a significant day in Pakistan’s history. Afridi alleged PTI’s election symbol was deprived, nomination papers were forcibly taken from candidates, and election results manipulated through Form-47, he referred to these as unqualified rulers.