Islamabad Police Decides to Crackdown on PTI Leaders and Workers Ahead of ‘Black Day’ Protest on February 8

On February 8, 2024, a year after the general elections, Islamabad police has decided to initiate a crackdown on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership and workers in response to the party’s call for a ‘Black Day’ and protest. The decision was made in a meeting led by Islamabad’s Inspector General (IG), Ali Nasir Rizvi, on Thursday, where senior police officials discussed the potential protest by PTI in the federal capital.

According to media reports, police officials have been tasked with arresting PTI leaders and activists, and a list of active PTI workers and leaders has been compiled for this purpose. Additionally, in an effort to prevent PTI workers from entering Islamabad, several routes leading to the capital will be closed ahead of February 8.

**Interior Minister’s Warning: ‘Similar to Previous Crackdown’**

Federal Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, during a press conference, requested PTI to withdraw their call for the February 8 protest. However, he warned that if the request is not heeded, the situation will unfold in a manner similar to the previous crackdown on the party.

**PTI Condemns Crackdown and Announces Plans for ‘Black Day’**

Meanwhile, PTI’s central information secretary, Sheikh Waqas Akram, strongly condemned the ongoing crackdown and confirmed that raids were being conducted at the residences of Members of National and Provincial Assemblies. Despite these efforts, Akram declared that the people would take to the streets on February 8.

In a press conference, Sheikh Waqas Akram announced that PTI would observe February 8 as ‘Black Day’ following the instructions of the party’s founder. He further claimed that the party’s office in Quetta had been raided for the third time in a month, condemning these actions and the tactics of arrests and pressure used by the authorities.

**Accountability for Those Using Harsh Tactics**

Akram warned that the government’s oppressive measures would sow division among the public, but a day would come when those responsible for such tactics would be held accountable. He urged the Chief Justice to take notice of the ongoing ‘oppression and tyranny.’

**Election Commission Criticized, Calls for Independent Election Body**

Akram also criticized the Election Commission of Pakistan, labeling its role as ‘disappointing’ and reiterated the demand for an independent electoral body. He raised concerns over the government using elections as a weapon to marginalize PTI’s founder, accusing the authorities of undermining democratic processes.

**PTI Faces Financial Challenges for Public Gatherings**

Amid these developments, reports indicate that PTI is facing financial constraints while planning a public gathering in Swabi on February 8. Despite these challenges, party officials have been instructed to mobilize for the event. PTI’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President, Junaid Akbar, rejected reports about a lack of funds and reassured that the event would proceed successfully.

**Internal Differences Emerge Over Lahore Protest Plans**

Meanwhile, internal differences have surfaced within PTI regarding the proposed Lahore protest. It has been revealed that party officials and assembly members were not consulted about the Lahore protest plans, as the first match of Pakistan’s three-nation ODI series against New Zealand will be held at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on the same day. Some PTI leaders believe that it would be inappropriate to hold a rally at Liberty Chowk during the match.