Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Secretary General Salman Akram Raja Monday announced a nationwide mobilisation campaign starting immediately and intensifying until February 8, calling on the public to come out and “remind those who robbed the mandate of the people.”
Speaking to the media after a parliamentary party meeting at the Punjab Assembly, Raja said the meeting was “pleasant and important” and attended by Opposition Leader in the Punjab Assembly Moin Qureshi, Shaukat Basra and other party leaders.
Raja said PTI had decided to activate its voters and supporters from Monday onward, adding that February 8 would mark a key moment for public resistance. “If democracy is to survive in this country, the nation must come out on February 8,” he said.
He alleged that the public was being misled about economic improvement, claiming industries were shutting down, unemployment was rising and investors were leaving Pakistan.
“There is no law in the country and no respect for the vote,” he added.
Referring to former prime minister Imran Khan, Raja described the struggle as a fight for the independence of the judiciary, saying every individual would have to play a role. He maintained that PTI members in Punjab stood with the people “despite all forms of fascism.”
Raja also condemned what he termed a “heinous attack” on Moin Qureshi and alleged attempts to silence opposition voices through legal cases, including a Rs84 million defamation suit. He demanded the withdrawal of what he called false cases and said political issues should be resolved politically.
Addressing speculation about future elections, Raja said PTI would not accept any engineered outcome and would come to power only through the people’s vote.
He rejected calls to shift focus to 2029, insisting the party was demanding immediate elections with full freedom for voters.
He further alleged restrictions on PTI activities in Punjab and Sindh, claiming party leaders were prevented from meeting the public.
Outlining plans for February 8, Raja said transporters would be asked not to operate vehicles, while supporters would mark the day symbolically, including flying kites bearing the number “804.” He said Lahore would give a “befitting reply” to what he described as authoritarian tactics.
Raja said the party would raise its voice at every level and continue its struggle for future generations, urging journalists to continue conveying facts despite what he described as growing pressure on free expression.
