PTI Announces Major Rally in Swabi on February 8 for ‘Black Day

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced plans to hold a major rally in Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on February 8 to observe “Yum-e-Siyah” (Black Day). The rally will be organized by the newly appointed provincial president, Junaid Akbar Khan, who has already begun intensive meetings and discussions to ensure the success of the event.

In the past week, Junaid Akbar held meetings in Islamabad with like-minded party leaders to discuss preparations for the Swabi rally and the party’s affairs. Sources close to him revealed that these discussions focused on steps to rally workers’ support and trust, as well as securing funding for the event.

**Will February 8’s Rally Be a Challenge for Junaid Akbar?**

While PTI workers and leaders regard Junaid Akbar as a loyal and long-time associate of Imran Khan, many are hoping he will unite party workers and initiate a movement for the release of Imran Khan. However, political analysts believe that the Swabi rally will be a significant challenge for Junaid Akbar, especially after his predecessor, Ali Amin Gandapur, was removed as the provincial president.

Political expert Arif Hayat noted that Junaid Akbar’s task is far from easy, as Ali Amin Gandapur still commands significant influence in the province, with greater access to resources and authority. Hayat emphasized that rallies and protests heavily depend on funding, which Junaid Akbar reportedly lacks.

**Preparations for the Swabi Rally**

Despite the challenges, Junaid Akbar has been actively preparing for the rally. Last week, he held meetings with leaders and workers from the Malakand region, urging full participation from the party’s rank and file. On Sunday, he visited Peshawar to meet regional members and address their concerns. During the meeting, he expressed optimism about a large turnout for the Swabi rally.

Junaid Akbar also made it clear that party leaders and workers must take full responsibility for the arrangements, including funding, for the rally. He stated that there would be no external funding, and workers and leaders would have to manage the event themselves. This message was seen by some as a subtle reference to Ali Amin Gandapur, who had previously managed party funds for events.

**Ali Amin Gandapur’s Concerns**

Inside sources within PTI have revealed that Ali Amin Gandapur has been worried since Junaid Akbar took over as provincial president. Gandapur has been cautious about keeping the party’s issues separate from his government to avoid any political complications. Sources close to him mentioned that during his tenure as the provincial president, Gandapur maintained a middle-ground approach to keep the party leadership and workers satisfied.

However, Gandapur’s concerns have intensified as Junaid Akbar plans to escalate protests with threats of blocking roads and highways, which could lead to potential issues for his government. Some party leaders speculate that Gandapur is trying to ensure his government remains unaffected by any political upheaval in the party.

**What Will PTI Do on February 8?**

PTI has declared February 8 as “Yum-e-Siyah” (Black Day) and plans to hold protests across the country, with the major rally taking place in Swabi. PTI spokesperson Waqas Akram Sheikh confirmed that the central leadership will attend the Swabi rally, with all arrangements being overseen by Junaid Akbar. Additionally, protests will be held in various cities across the country, although no march or sit-in is planned for Islamabad.

Sheikh emphasized that while protests will take place nationwide, the focus will be on peaceful demonstrations by workers in their respective cities, ensuring a calm and non-violent show of solidarity.