ANP Marks Black Day to Protest against 2024 Elections and Government Policies

Quetta:On February 8, 2025, in response to the call by Mahmood Khan Achakzai, Chairman of Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party and leader of the Pakistan Constitution Protection Movement, the party observed a “Black Day” to mark one year of the controversial, fraudulent, and unconstitutional elections held on February 8, 2024. The event was organized to protest against the alleged rigged elections, which included the auction of Form 47 and the imposition of an undemocratic government.

Mass protests, rallies, and meetings were held in various districts of Pashtunkhwa, including Hernai, Pishin, Qila Abdullah, Chaman, Loralai, Musa Khel, Ziarat Sanjawi, Qila Saifullah, Zhob, Sherani, and Sibi. The central rally in Quetta was led by Abdul Rahim Ziaratwal, the General Secretary of Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), and took place from the party’s central secretariat. The protesters raised slogans against the fraudulent elections, the 26th Constitutional Amendment, the PECA Act, and called for the release of political prisoners, including Imran Khan.

The rally passed through Court Road, Manan Chowk, and Kandahari Bazaar before reaching Bacha Khan Chowk, where it transformed into a protest meeting. The event started with the recitation of the Quran, followed by speeches from key leaders including Abdul Rahim Ziaratwal, Abdul Qahar Khan Wadan, Daud Shah Kakr, and Allama Ali Hasnain.

In his speech, Abdul Rahim Ziaratwal emphasized that on February 8, 2024, the country’s institutions had interfered in politics, undermining the autonomy of the Election Commission, which was supposed to conduct transparent and impartial elections. He criticized the rigged elections and the manipulation of Form 47, which he said led to the defeat of elected candidates. Ziaratwal also referred to the rejection of these elections by local and international bodies, including FAFEN, the United Nations, the United States, the European Union, and France. He condemned the economic mismanagement of the country and the exploitation of resources, particularly in the Pashtun and Baloch regions.

Ziaratwal lamented the ongoing economic struggles and lawlessness in the country, with trade restrictions and a deteriorating security situation affecting the people of Quetta and beyond. He blamed the government for the worsening conditions, accusing them of neglecting the welfare of the people and promoting corruption.

The protesters also highlighted the increased abductions and crimes in the region, including the ongoing disappearance of innocent individuals like Mansoor Kakr in Quetta. Ziaratwal called for the immediate release of all abducted individuals and strongly opposed the abuse of power under the current administration. He demanded the end of the unconstitutional and undemocratic government and the restoration of an independent election commission to ensure fair elections in the future.

The rally also witnessed protests against the 26th Constitutional Amendment and the SIFC (Special Investment Facilitation Council), both of which the speakers argued undermined the constitution and the rights of the people. They criticized the growing involvement of the military in politics, saying that the military’s intervention in elections had disrupted the democratic process.

Daud Shah Kakr, the Provincial President of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), also addressed the crowd, condemning the fraudulent February 8, 2024 elections and the formation of a government through undemocratic means. He expressed solidarity with the demands of the protestors, calling for the restoration of true democracy and justice.

The rally ended with the reading of several resolutions that were approved by the participants, demanding the immediate release of all political detainees and the restoration of the constitution, democracy, and human rights in Pakistan.

The protest organizers also expressed gratitude to the media for covering the event and reaffirmed their commitment to fighting for the rights of the people through democratic means.