PTI hails public support on 'black day'

Lambasts govt for 'inhuman treatment' of Imran in detention

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ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram has lauded the nation's 'overwhelming response' to the call by incarcerated party supremo Imran Khan to observe the first anniversary of the February 8 "electoral fraud" as a black day.

In a statement on Sunday, Waqas commended the public for standing firm against what he termed the government's "oppressive tactics", demonstrating unwavering support for their leader through a record-breaking public gathering in Swabi.

Denouncing the government's crackdown, Waqas condemned the arbitrary detention of PTI leaders and workers, as well as the violent suppression of peaceful protests.

He said that the demonstrations were a rightful response to the "mega poll robbery committed on February 8, 2024, in broad daylight".

He demanded the immediate release of all imprisoned PTI leaders and workers, asserting that an "awakened nation cannot be intimidated or silenced through brutal and inhumane tactics".

Waqas lambasted the two dynastic political parties -- PPP and PML-N -- saying that they had repeatedly been given opportunities by the nation but had only prioritised their own interests, enriching themselves at the people's expense.

He recalled that Imran Khan had long predicted that the Sharif and Zardari families were never in conflict for the country's welfare but rather for their own political gains.

"Imran Khan had foreseen how these political dynasties would eventually unite against PTI in a desperate attempt to salvage their dwindling political fortunes," he noted.

He accused the PPP and PML-N of forming a "marriage of convenience" due to their interwoven interests, adding that their so-called disagreements were nothing but a distraction.

Regarding the PPP's repeated threats to leave the government, Waqas dismissed them as a ploy, stating that the government was using NAB to reopen corruption cases against PPP leaders to maintain control.

He also ridiculed the "bittersweet relations" between the two parties, labelling their public disputes as mere eyewash. "Both parties are solely focused on safeguarding their own interests, with no genuine concern for Pakistan's welfare or the well-being of its people," he said.

He further alleged that their ultimate goal was to dismantle PTI by keeping Imran Khan, party leaders, and workers in arbitrary detention, suppressing dissent, and undermining the democratic process.

Waqas condemned the non-elected government for subjecting Imran Khan to "inhumane treatment, including solitary confinement and stripping him of all constitutionally and legally guaranteed privileges as a former prime minister".