Lahore: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has applied for permission to hold a public gathering in Lahore on February 8 to observe a “Black Day” following the collapse of negotiations with the coalition government.
The opposition party submitted an application to the deputy commissioner’s office seeking local administration approval for a gathering at the Minar-e-Pakistan ground, also known as Iqbal Park.
A copy of the application obtained by Geo News stated that PTI leader and Opposition Leader in the Punjab Assembly, Malik Ahmad Khan Bachar, and Ali Ijaz Buttar will lead the upcoming power show.
PTI leader Aliya Hamza, speaking to the media outside the DC office, said her party was requesting permission to observe “Youm-e-Siyah [Black Day]” on February 8—the day when the public mandate was stolen [one year ago].
She was referring to last year’s general election results, where PTI candidates, contesting as independents, won the highest number of seats but failed to form a government at the center.
The now-ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) formed a coalition government with the support of its major ally, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), and other parties.
Criticizing authorities for denying PTI permission to hold public gatherings in the past, Aliya questioned, “Every party is allowed to hold rallies at Minar-e-Pakistan, so why not us?”
She warned that her party would pursue all legal options if permission was denied for the Lahore gathering. Aliya added that if the opposition party was not allowed to hold its event in Lahore, a “Black Day” would be observed across the country.
In response to questions about recent amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca), the former lawmaker alleged that the legislation reflected the presence of an “oppressive system” in the country. She emphasized that freedom of expression should not be suppressed.
This move by PTI comes after the former ruling party skipped the crucial fourth round of talks scheduled for Tuesday.
The dialogue process between the PML-N-led government and PTI began in late December after months of political tension. Although PTI presented its written charter of demands and after several weeks of negotiation—three sessions in total—little progress was made on key issues.
After weeks of negotiation, the talks hit a deadlock as PTI called off the dialogue, demanding the formation of judicial commissions following the directives of imprisoned party founder Imran Khan.
The 71-year-old cricketer-turned-politician has been behind bars since August 2023 after being sentenced in the Toshakhana case—I—one of many cases filed against the former premier since his ousting from power in April 2022.
