Malik Waqar
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced it will refrain from any confrontation or unrest on February 8, the first anniversary of last year’s general elections, and instead has unveiled plans for a large rally in Swabi.
PTI had previously sought permission to hold a rally at Minar-e-Pakistan in Lahore, but the deputy commissioner rejected the request, citing concerns over maintaining law and order.
Lahore DC Syed Musa Raza explained that the decision was made to avoid disruptions, as significant events were scheduled in Lahore, including a cricket match, an international speaker conference, and a horse and cattle show, all requiring extensive security personnel.
Instead, PTI announced plans for a large rally in Swabi, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, urging supporters nationwide to attend.
PTI General Secretary Salman Akram Raja stated in Islamabad that the party would only hold a rally in Swabi, while protests would take place at the tehsil and union council levels, clarifying there were no plans for chaos.
Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Omar Ayub also addressed supporters in a video message, declaring February 8 as “Black Day,” marking the day when their votes were allegedly stolen.
He called on PTI supporters and party workers to gather in Swabi at 2 pm on Saturday to show solidarity with PTI founder Imran Khan.
Meanwhile, ahead of the event in K-P, government officials, including police personnel, have been instructed to refrain from participating in political gatherings or rallies, with the provincial police being told not to facilitate or attend such events.
