PTI to stage nationwide “peaceful protests” today

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is set to stage “peaceful protests” nationwide today to decry what it alleges as “blatant rigging” during the February 8 national election.

“Imran Khan’s PTI has called for nationwide protests against the unprecedented, massive, brazen rigging in General Elections 2024, where PTI’s win of 180 National Assembly seats & a two-third majority in Parliament, was cut down to half,” the party said on X.

PTI has designated multiple locations across the country for protests starting at 2 PM.

However, their plans to demonstrate in front of the Islamabad Press Club were thwarted as the Islamabad administration denied them permission.

The administration rejected the PTI’s application, maintaining that demonstration cannot be allowed given Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) which is in force in the city.

The administration has also asked the citizens to avoid being a part of any political gathering. “Islamabad police should take action against those participating in the protest demonstration,” it added.

The Election Commission of Pakistan refuted PTI’s allegations, asserting the presence of legal avenues to address any election-related grievances.

Red zone in Islamabad extended till Faisal Avenue