Interior Minister Mohsen Naqvi called on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to abandon its protest plans in Lahore on Saturday, warning that the consequences could be similar to those of November 26 if a public gathering is held. His statements come as the opposition party launches a major campaign against the 2024 general elections. Naqvi made these remarks while speaking to journalists at the inauguration of a new passport office in Lahore, stating that the government will demand the PTI to cancel the protests. He emphasized that if the PTI does not heed their request, the state will respond. Naqvi pointed out that holding a demonstration on February 8 in Lahore, the same day as an international cricket match, would tarnish the country’s international image, stating that instead of progress, PTI’s actions are fostering unrest.
PTI has announced a “Black Day” protest against electoral fraud on February 8 and plans to launch a campaign of protests across Sindh from February 1 to 8. Meanwhile, PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Junaid Akbar announced that the party will hold a public rally in Swat on February 8. Naqvi further stated that the government is taking strict actions against human smuggling networks and assured the public that positive news on this matter will be forthcoming. He mentioned that new centers will be established to expedite passport issuance. Naqvi also stressed the strong relationship between Pakistan and the United States, expressing hope for further improvements. He revealed that a recent Pakistani delegation visited the US, with positive outcomes expected.
PTI leader Haleem Adil Sheikh denounced the day as a “dark day,” claiming that the country’s future has been jeopardized through electoral manipulation, alleging that PTI’s mandate was stolen through Form 47, despite public support. Additionally, PTI leader Khurram Sher Zaman criticized the current government’s economic policies and demanded the release of political workers to ensure political stability. The statements from Naqvi and PTI’s anticipated protests indicate a deepening complexity in the political situation, which could have implications for the country’s domestic politics.
