The Tehreek Tahaffuz Aain Pakistan (TTAP), along with several political parties, has declared February 8 as “Black Day” to mark the second anniversary of the 2024 general elections. The announcement came during an All Parties Conference (APC) held at the Karachi Press Club, where leaders accused the government of rigging the polls and undermining the public mandate.
The APC issued a joint declaration calling for a nationwide wheel-jam and shutter-down strike. Citizens have been urged to keep businesses closed, suspend transport, hoist black flags and participate in peaceful rallies.
Senior TTAP leaders, including Mahmood Khan Achakzai, Asad Qaiser and Raja Nasir Abbas, addressed the gathering. They demanded the release of political prisoners, raised concerns over the situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and criticized the government for failing to deliver justice and governance.
The declaration demanded the appointment of a neutral Chief Election Commissioner and fresh elections under a reconstituted Election Commission of Pakistan. It also called for an independent inquiry into alleged electoral fraud and rejected proposals to raise the voting age from 18 to 25.
Speakers condemned the Sindh government’s performance, citing incidents such as the Gul Plaza fire, rising crime in interior Sindh, frequent traffic accidents in Karachi, children falling into open manholes, water shortages and deteriorating infrastructure.
The APC further demanded restoration of judicial independence, arguing that recent constitutional amendments weakened the judiciary. It called for the immediate release of political prisoners, including Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi and Shah Mahmood Qureshi. The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act was described as a “black law” and its repeal was demanded.
Participants highlighted economic hardships, noting that nearly half of Pakistan’s population lives below the poverty line, unemployment has reached a 21-year high, industries are shutting down and multinational companies are exiting the country.
On the situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the APC urged the government to implement jirga recommendations, halt the Tirah operation and consult the provincial leadership. It also demanded provincial autonomy, ownership of resources and adherence to the 1991 Water Accord.
Mahmood Khan Achakzai, Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, said Pakistan could thrive if provinces were granted full rights over their resources. Former NA Speaker Asad Qaiser rejected the 2024 election results in Karachi and Sindh, while Raja Nasir Abbas urged citizens to stand up for their rights.
