Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has decided to restrict its February 8 protest to a shutter-down and wheel-jam strike, ruling out any move to shut down provinces or block highways, sources said.
The decision was taken during a joint parliamentary party meeting of the party, where protest strategy and the prevailing political situation were discussed.
According to sources, young party members proposed a full-scale protest; however, the top leadership once again rejected the suggestion.
Senior members were of the view that protest activity in Punjab is not possible due to strict measures, while closing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would be unfair.
Sources quoted senior leaders as saying that shutting down Khyber Pakhtunkhwa could lead to public resentment, as people may question why a province they voted for was also closed.
The Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa attended the meeting in a special capacity, sources added.
The meeting also strongly condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Balochistan and expressed heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the families of the martyrs.
Participants discussed the health of PTI founding chairman Imran Khan and expressed deep concern over reports related to his condition. The meeting noted that news regarding Imran Khan’s health has caused anxiety across the country.
The parliamentary party welcomed the recent meeting between the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. It also demanded immediate rehabilitation and full compensation for families displaced from the Tirah Valley due to severe weather conditions and expressed full support for the decisions of the Khyber Jirga.
The meeting decided to intensify the street movement on February 8 to ensure the effectiveness of the shutter-down and wheel-jam strike. It also strongly condemned the arrests of PTI workers in Sindh and Punjab, as well as raids on their homes.
