Afridi announces shutter-down strike on February 8

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Khan Afridi on Saturday announced a nationwide shutdown on February 8 to protest the alleged theft of the people’s mandate in the general elections and to demand the release of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan.

In fiery speeches delivered during a street movement tour in Swabi district, including at Shewa Adda, Topi, and Anbar, Afridi called for a complete shutter-down strike across Pakistan.

He urged citizens to keep all shops, markets, businesses, trucks, rickshaws, CNG pumps, and other commercial activities closed for the day. “On February 8, stay home. Nothing should move,” he said, framing the action as a peaceful demonstration under the banner of protecting the Constitution.

Afridi emphasised that the one-day protest centres on securing Imran’s freedom.

“We will secure his release and make him prime minister,” he said, adding that public support remained the party’s greatest strength. He accused the federal government of violating the Constitution and law by stealing the PTI’s mandate in the February 8, 2024, elections.

The K-P chief minister highlighted concerns over Imran’s health, alleging that an eye operation was performed “in the darkness of night” without informing his family or personal doctors.

Requests for meetings with Imran by his relatives and physicians have been repeatedly denied, he claimed, despite PTI leaders’ protests, including sit-ins outside Adiala Jail and the Supreme Court.

Afridi dismissed intimidation attempts, stating he was unafraid and rejecting accusations labelling him a “smuggler”. He referenced the Tirah operation as an effort to turn Pakhtuns against him, but asserted that the street movement had already disrupted the government’s nights.

Read: Federal govt terms Khyber jirga a ‘charge sheet’ against K-P govt, seeks apology

“This time, we are fully prepared to take to the field and change the system and destiny of the country,” he warned, urging all Pakistanis to ready themselves.

He praised the visible passion and fervour in people’s eyes, claiming it surpassed anything seen in his 18 years of political experience. “The nation is honourable, and so is your chief minister,” Afridi said, vowing that those who tried to corner PTI would find no place to hide once the public sought justice.

The announcement aligns with broader opposition calls for protests on the second anniversary of the 2024 polls, which PTI alleges were rigged. Afridi stressed unity, challenging other political parties to mobilise crowds and join the cause for Imran’s release.

He recounted spending days and nights protesting outside Adiala jail and the Supreme Court without being granted access to Imran, reinforcing his determination: “No one can stop us this time; the hands tied with weak threads will break free.”