ISLAMABAD: A major opposition alliance, led by Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Mahmood Khan Achakzai, has called for a nationwide strike on February 8, with significant backing from Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman. The move escalates political tensions, marking one year since the controversial general elections.
Addressing the media after a joint meeting, Achakzai alleged that the public mandate was “stolen by force” in the February 8, 2023 polls, accusing the state of oppression, enacting black laws, and curbing judicial independence. While revealing an internal difference in strategy—with his group favoring a strike and JUI-F initially planning rallies—Achakzai confirmed a unified front. “We all condemn terrorism,” he added, separately commending Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for banning the Basant festival.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman declared his party’s support for the strike, cancelling its own scheduled rallies for that day. “We support the Pahaya Jam (strike),” he stated, confirming that JUI-F processions would be held after February 8. Reiterating a core opposition demand, he said, “By-elections are also being stolen… we demand new elections.” He also expressed deep regret over the recent Islamabad blast, criticizing government legislation for weakening democracy.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Asad Qaiser strongly condemned the Islamabad explosion and demanded the Prime Minister present a counter-terrorism policy in parliament. He urged for the implementation of the National Action Plan and requested that PTI’s founding chairman, Imran Khan, be allowed access to his chosen doctors.
The convergence of major opposition parties on the strike call signals growing coordinated pressure on the government, intertwining protests over alleged electoral fraud with urgent national security concerns.
