Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers and leaders staged protests across multiple cities on Saturday to observe February 8 as 'black day' against the alleged theft of the party's mandate in the general elections held on this day a year ago. These protests and rallies led to clashes with police, arrests, and security reinforcements.
Demonstrations were reported in Multan, Muzaffarabad, Kashmore, Sialkot, Shahpur Chakar, Kacchi, Nowshera Feroze and Kandhkot, with some rallies facing police action under Section 144 restrictions. Meanwhile, preparations for PTI's Swabi rally remained underwhelming as attendance lagged behind expectations.
Arrests, clashes in Multan, Muzaffarabad
In Multan, PTI leader Mehr Bano Qureshi, along with Makhdoom Zahid Bahar Hashmi and Daler Mahar, was arrested for violating Article 144, which prohibits public gatherings. Police confirmed that several party workers were also detained from Pul Chattha Makhdoom Rashid but did not specify their numbers.
Separately, Senator Aun Abbas Bappi and MNA Malik Aamir Dogar violated Section 144 and took out rallies. The rally led by Senator Aun Abbas Bappi travelled on Sher Shah Road, while the one led by MNA Malik Aamir Dogar passed through the district court.
Also Read: Meher Bano Qureshi among several PTI workers arrested in Multan
Similarly, in Muzaffarabad, police clashed with PTI protesters at Azadi Chowk, arresting Opposition Leader in the Legislative Assembly Khawaja Farooq Ahmed, and former minister Hanif Awan. Assistant Commissioner Mohiuddin Gilani stated that Khawaja Farooq was placed under house arrest.
At Dumail, police confronted another PTI demonstration led by former AJK prime minister Abdul Qayyum Niazi. Law enforcement dispersed the protesters and sent a police vehicle to detain Niazi.
Police baton-charge in Kashmore
A major PTI rally in Kashmore, Sindh, faced police resistance as it moved from the Old Road to the main road. Officers resorted to lathi charge (baton charge) to disperse the crowd and arrested three PTI workers, who were later released.
In Thatta also, PTI workers took out a protest rally with more than 10 workers arrested. Police personnel were deployed from the traffic checkpoint to press Thatta. Following the arrests, the protesting workers dispersed.
Swabi rally sees low turnout
The PTI had also planned a major rally in Swabi, scheduled to start at 2pm, but reports indicated that the venue remained largely empty even after the scheduled time. Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Omer Ayub were expected to address the gathering, with 1,300 police personnel deployed for security, including reinforcements from neighbouring districts.
Despite the sluggish turnout, convoys of PTI workers travelled from Nowshera, Kohat, and Jamrud to join the rally. Notable leaders leading these groups included MPA Ashfaq Ahmed, Law Minister Aftab Alam, MNA Shehryar Afridi, MPA Shafi Jan, and MPA Dawood Afridi.
In Jamrud, workers raised slogans in favour of PTI Founder Imran Khan.
Protests against alleged 'mandate theft'
The PTI also observed a "black day" in Kachhi, where party members staged a shutter-down strike at Dhadar headquarters. Mir Sardar Khan Rind accused authorities of rigging the February 8 elections.
In Shahpur Chakar, PTI workers took out a rally from Main Naka to the Press Club, protesting against what they called a "stolen mandate." Similarly, in Kandhkot, Jamaat-e-Islami and PTI jointly organized a demonstration, marching from Ghanta Ghar to the press club while chanting slogans against election fraud.
PTI motorcycle rally in Sialkot
In Sialkot, PTI workers violated Section 144 by organizing a motorcycle rally led by Umar Dar, travelling from Aimanabad to Bhagwal Road. Protesters carried PTI flags and raised anti-government slogans.
Meanwhile, police arrested three PTI workers in Okara's Mauza 4L for violating Section 144, while a heavy contingent of the force also dispersed the protesting workers. The DPO said violation of law will not be tolerated under any circumstances, adding that law and order will be ensured in the city at any cost.
PTI vows bigger rallies
PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Junaid Akbar vowed that the Swabi rally would be "historical" and prove that the nation stands with Imran Khan. He also hinted at an upcoming protest in Islamabad, stating, "When the founder gives the order, we will march to the capital."
KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur is also expected to join the Malakand rally in a large convoy.
