PTI’s February 8 Protest Crucial, Failure Could Set Party Back Six Months: Sher Afzal Marwat

**Islamabad:** Former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and National Assembly member Sher Afzal Marwat has warned that the success of PTI’s upcoming February 8 protest will be decisive for the party’s political momentum. He said if PTI manages to mobilize a large turnout, prospects for negotiations with the government will improve, but a weak showing could deal a significant setback, potentially taking six months for the party to regain its protest strength.

Speaking to the media after appearing at the Peshawar High Court, Marwat emphasized that negotiations between PTI and the government are only necessary if there is a credible threat of protest politics from the party. He noted that public attention is now focused on the February 8 rally.

Marwat also highlighted delays in appointing the opposition leader, stating that the National Assembly cannot function fully without one, and criticized the five-month delay in completing this process.

He added that for the country’s stability, it would be better if political prisoners were released, the party’s founding chairman could meet with family and doctors, and all political parties were allowed to hold rallies before any negotiations.