Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is not backing down. Despite facing multiple obstacles, including arrests, Section 144 restrictions, and strong police presence, the party is determined to reclaim what it believes was a stolen mandate during the last year’s elections. The PTI marked a ‘Black Day’ by holding protests nationwide on the anniversary of the alleged electoral rigging.
Defying Restrictions, PTI Takes to the Streets
Under the looming shadow of Section 144 and amidst tense negotiations with the government, PTI leaders and supporters defied bans to rally against what they deem as fraudulent polls. Despite facing arrests and police crackdowns, PTI members, including Meher Bano, daughter of senior PTI leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi, were detained during the protests.
The protests were met with tight security measures, with police deployed to prevent public gatherings and rallies. Despite these restrictions, PTI managed to organize small yet impactful demonstrations across Punjab, with notable party members leading the charge.
In Lahore, PTI Central Punjab leaders, Hammad Azhar, Mehar Sharafat, and Engineer Muzamil Salahuddin, spearheaded the protests. Similar demonstrations were observed in various cities across Punjab, including Multan, where Meher Bano and Zahid Bahar Hashmi led a rally before being detained by authorities.
Despite the crackdowns, PTI reiterated its commitment to peaceful protests, avoiding any confrontations while planning a significant rally in Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The party’s leaders emphasized their intent to address alleged electoral fraud and reclaim the mandate they believe was unjustly taken.
Swabi Rally: A Show of Defiance and Determination
In Swabi, PTI leaders and regional figures delivered powerful speeches, condemning electoral fraud, institutional neglect, and unconstitutional governance. They vowed to stand up for the rights of the people and fight against injustice, promising to reclaim what they consider their stolen mandate.
Speaking at the Swabi rally, Junaid Akbar, PTI’s provincial president, highlighted the importance of institutional integrity and people’s support. He expressed concerns over the growing gap between institutions and the public, calling for unity and respect for constitutional governance.
On the anniversary of the 2024 general elections, now known as the ‘Black Day,’ Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, reaffirmed PTI’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and constitutional governance under Imran Khan’s leadership. He called for unity against corruption and emphasized the need for institutions to serve the people’s interests.
At the rally, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar emphasized the importance of political solutions to national issues. He called for dialogue and negotiations to address the ongoing challenges faced by the country. Gohar reiterated PTI’s commitment to fighting for justice and ensuring that the mandate stolen in previous elections would not be forgotten.
In a show of unity, opposition alliance president Mahmood Khan Achakzai urged the people to stand together against corruption and injustice, warning that the current government’s days were numbered if true solidarity was achieved. PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram alleged that the government had stolen the election mandate to push through its agenda, highlighting the party’s determination to expose corruption and hold those responsible accountable.
PTI’s unwavering resolve to reclaim its mandate and fight for justice underscores the party’s commitment to upholding democratic values and ensuring accountability in Pakistan’s political landscape. Through peaceful protests and public demonstrations, PTI continues to challenge the status quo and advocate for a fair and transparent electoral process.
