Leader of Opposition in National Assembly Mahmood Khan Achakzai announced a nationwide protest on February 8 against what he described as “vote theft,” calling on people across Pakistan to participate.
Addressing supporters, Achakzai said it is the responsibility of the entire nation to come out against the government. He emphasized that there was no enmity with the country’s forces or police, and that all institutions should function within constitutional limits.
Achakzai claimed that the opinion of 250 million people was forcibly taken away and said the protest is aimed at highlighting the vote theft. He also referred to concerns about the health of the jailed former prime minister Imran Khan, stating that the issue was being used to divert workers from their cause. He maintained that Khan’s health was not as serious as being portrayed and warned that the government would be responsible for any harm to him.
He urged PTI workers not to back down and called on supporters from across the country to mobilise. Achakzai appealed to shopkeepers to close their businesses for one day on February 8 in solidarity, and asked transport organizations to extend their support. He announced that torchlight processions would be held across the country in the coming days, saying the movement would remain peaceful and that no one should be harmed or abused.
Achakzai said the opposition’s demand is for an independent Election Commission and general elections, adding that whichever party wins should form the government. He called on political parties to move forward, forgive one another and work toward rebuilding Pakistan.
Referring to the government, Achakzai said there is no personal enmity with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif but alleged that constitutional steps were bypassed through ordinances. He invited people to join the torchlight processions “with the constitution in hand” to stand against injustice.
