ISLAMABAD: Pakistan opposition party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has sought permission to stage a public gathering in Lahore on February 8, marking a “Black Day” in response to the breakdown of talks with the coalition government.
The PTI has submitted a request to the deputy commissioner’s office, aiming for permission to gather at the iconic Minar-e-Pakistan ground, also known as Iqbal Park, next month.
According to a document obtained by WE News English, the rally will be spearheaded by PTI leader and Opposition Leader in the Punjab Assembly Malik Ahmad Khan Bachar, alongside Ali Ijaz Buttar.
Speaking to the press outside the DC office, PTI leader Aliya Hamza expressed the party’s desire to commemorate “Youm-e-Siyah [Black Day]” on February 8, the anniversary of what she described as the day the public mandate was usurped.
Her remarks harkened back to the previous year’s general elections, where PTI candidates, running as independents, secured a significant number of seats yet failed to form government.
The current ruling coalition, led by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), formed a government with the backing of its principal ally, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), among others.
Aliya criticized the authorities for previously denying Imran Khan’s party the opportunity to hold public gatherings, questioning, “Every party is permitted to rally at Minar-e-Pakistan, so why should we be any different?”
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She cautioned that should the PTI’s request be denied, the party would explore all legal avenues, asserting that a nationwide “Black Day” would be observed if their event in Lahore is thwarted.
When asked about recent amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca), the former lawmaker denounced the legislation as a manifestation of an “oppressive system” in the country.
This latest action by the PTI follows their absence from the pivotal fourth round of negotiations scheduled for Tuesday. The dialogue between the PML-N-led government and the PTI began in late December.
After weeks of discussions, the negotiations stumbled when the Khan-led party withdrew from talks, citing the government’s failure to establish judicial commissions as directed by their imprisoned leader, Imran Khan.
