Mahmood Khan Achakzai, head of the opposition coalition Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz Ain-e-Pakistan (Movement for the Protection of the Constitution of Pakistan), has announced that February 8 will be observed as a 'black day', calling for a nationwide strike to protest the current political situation.

Addressing lawyers at the Karachi Shuhada Hall of the Lahore High Court, Achakzai said that a countrywide strike should be held on February 8. He urged political workers and civil society to stand united in protest.

He also demanded the release of political prisoners, stressing that the struggle for constitutional rights would continue.

During his address at the PTI Women’s Wing event, Achakzai said there was a lack of discipline within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). He emphasized that the movement could only move forward if discipline and organization were restored.

“We have to move ahead with discipline,” he said, adding that unity was essential for achieving political goals.

Ali Zafar raises concerns over negotiations

Separately, PTI leader Barrister Ali Zafar told reporters in Lahore that he was not being allowed to meet the founder of PTI. He said that negotiations would not move forward until such meetings were permitted.

Ali Zafar stated that he previously conveyed messages from the PTI founder to party leaders and the public, but that right had now been taken away.

The PTI leader said that whenever party MPAs and MNAs were called upon in the past, they responded collectively. He added that even now, whatever decision the party leadership takes, all leaders, including himself, will abide by it.

His remarks highlighted growing frustration within PTI over communication barriers and the stalled negotiation process.