Tehreek Tahafuz-e-Aain Pakistan Declares February 8 as “Black Day” with Nationwide Strike; Demands New Elections and Release of Imran Khan
Islamabad: Tehreek Tahafuz-e-Aain Pakistan (TTAP) has announced February 8 as a “Black Day” accompanied by a nationwide strike to protest the controversial 2024 elections, the Tirah operation, and the sentencing of prominent leaders.
The announcement came after a meeting chaired by TTAP head Mahmood Khan Achakzai, attended by Vice Chairman Senator Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar, former Governor Zubair Umar, Secretary-General Asad Qaiser, Rights of People Party leader Dr. Ammar Ali Jan, Vice Chairman Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, spokesperson Akhunzada Hussain Yousafzai, and Advocate Khalid Chaudhry.
During the meeting, opposition leaders called February 8 a day of “collective humiliation” for the Pakistani nation, stating that citizens across the country—regardless of religion, gender, occupation, or social status—had their fundamental rights and ability to choose their rulers undermined on that day.
The participants expressed deep concern over the sentencing of Advocates Iman Mazari and Hadi Chattha, terming it a serious blow to freedom of speech and constitutional rights to a fair trial.
The meeting also highlighted the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Tirah, Khyber Agency, criticizing the forced displacement of hundreds of thousands during severe weather under the guise of an operation. Participants condemned any deviation from resolutions passed by the provincial assembly or decisions made in the National Jirga, calling such acts contrary to provincial autonomy and federalism.
The group strongly criticized the Pakistan government’s unilateral decision to join a new board of peace established parallel to the United Nations without public or parliamentary consultation, rejecting its imposition on the Palestinian people.
The assembly concluded with a unanimous demand for immediate new elections and the release of political prisoners, including former Prime Minister Imran Khan, to address the country’s political, economic, and governance crises and restore public confidence.
