The PTI has called for a nationwide protest on February 8 against the manipulation of the results of the last year’s elections by the military and civil bureaucracy in Pakistan, after which a crackdown has been launched against the local leadership and workers of the PTI in the federal capital. According to sources close to the PTI, raids on the homes of workers have begun. It should be noted that the PTI is protesting on the completion of one year of the general elections in the country. The PTI’s position is that the mandate of the people has been stolen by manipulating the election results, due to which the country has fallen into political chaos, while the 17-seat Muslim League (N) has been given a government that has amended the constitution and laws for the interests of individuals and has blocked the path of freedom of expression.
Media freedom in Pakistan has been restricted and powerful institutions are backing the government to run state affairs. The founding chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has written a letter to Army Chief General Asim Munir to draw his attention to the country’s critical situation, which has been released on social media. In view of the possible protest by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf on February 8, a high-level meeting led by Inspector General of Islamabad Police Ali Nasir Rizvi decided to crack down on the local leadership and workers of the PTI. Senior officers have been tasked with arresting workers and leadership. A strategy was decided in the meeting to prevent a possible protest by the PTI on February 8.
IG Islamabad has issued orders to all SPs to compile a list of active leadership and workers in their respective areas. During the meeting, officers were also questioned regarding the leadership and workers wanted in cases. IG Islamabad has also issued orders to form a special team of female police officers. It has been decided to deploy officers in plain clothes to prevent possible protests on February 8. The decision to close various entry points to Islamabad before February 8 will be taken after considering the situation. IG Islamabad said that under no circumstances will protests be allowed in Islamabad. Reports from intelligence agencies allegedly sent to the federal government have stated that a large number of people may take to the streets in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Sindh on February 8, after which the police have been given the task of cracking down on the PTI.
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