Synopsis
A powerful opposition coalition is forming in Pakistan as PTI plans nationwide protests on February 8, the anniversary of last year's disputed elections. They demand new elections and the release of political prisoners. Key opposition figures are uniting to challenge the legitimacy of the current government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.Key Takeaways
- PTI's nationwide protests scheduled for February 8.
- Opposition demands the dissolution of assemblies and new elections.
- Calls for the release of political prisoners, including Imran Khan.
- Growing dissatisfaction within the ruling coalition.
- Potential for early elections if opposition strengthens.
Islamabad, February 5 (NationPress) A formidable opposition coalition is taking shape as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) prepares for countrywide protests on February 8, marking the one-year anniversary of last year's "rigged" general elections.
In a renewed challenge to the administration led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, PTI has declared plans for anti-government protest gatherings in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Swabi, Peshawar, and Lahore, announcing that "Black Day" will be commemorated nationwide on February 8.
PTI asserts that it was on this date in 2024 that the military establishment disregarded the public's will and support for Imran Khan, the party's founder and former Prime Minister.
According to party insiders, there are initiatives in motion to kick off a substantial anti-government movement across the nation that day, emphasizing calls for the release of Khan and other political detainees whom PTI claims have been unjustly charged in connection with the May 9, 2023 riots and various other matters.
The opposition factions are demanding an immediate dissolution of assemblies and the announcement of new elections, as they strategize their upcoming steps to contest the "authenticity" of the current government.
Fazl-ur-Rehman, leader of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), alongside senior PTI figures and other parties, is urging Shehbaz Sharif to resign and call for new elections.
This past Tuesday, PTI leader and ex-National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser hosted a dinner for opposition leaders where a unified call was made for prompt elections, contending that the existing government attained power through rigged elections and unlawful practices during the last general polls.
"The current government no longer represents the people of Pakistan," Qaiser remarked.
Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, a former Prime Minister of Pakistan (2017-2018), also advocated for collaborative efforts to "protect the constitutional rights" of Pakistanis.
"Opposition parties have reached an agreement during the meeting to demand new elections and the release of political prisoners," Abbasi stated, who is a former senior member of Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League–Nawaz (PML-N) and now leads the Awaam Pakistan Party (APA).
The leaders, who convened a joint press conference, called for an end to what they characterized as "fascism".
Analysts suggest that challenging times lie ahead for the ruling coalition as its primary ally, the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), is also dissatisfied with the government’s performance.
"I believe that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, PML-N founder Nawaz Sharif, and Punjab CM Maryum Nawaz Sharif will face substantial pressure in the forthcoming days as the coalition is weakening and the opposition alliance is strengthening. Should it gain the same strength as during Imran Khan's tenure, we might witness early elections in Pakistan," remarked political analyst Jamal Khurshid.
