Authorities have banned all public gatherings in Punjab, Balochistan, and Islamabad as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) prepares to hold a rally in Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on Saturday. Dawn reported that the event marks the first anniversary of the February 8 general elections.

The party, founded by Imran Khan, observes February 8 as a "black day" in protest. Pakistan conducted its 12th general elections on this date last year amid widespread allegations of electoral rigging and disruptions to cellular and internet services.

PTI approached the Lahore deputy commissioner and later the Lahore High Court (LHC), seeking permission to hold a power show at the Minar-i-Pakistan in Lahore. However, the court did not grant their request. Despite this, PTI's Punjab chief organiser, Aliya Hamza Malik, has instructed party leaders to stage protests.

Meanwhile, Section 144 has been enforced in Islamabad, Punjab, and Balochistan, according to Dawn, which cited Radio Pakistan. This provision under the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) allows district administrations to prohibit gatherings of four or more people in a specific area for a limited time to maintain law and order.

PTI supporters from different cities across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa travelled to Swabi, accompanied by senior party leader Taimur Saleem Khan Jhagra. Jhagra posted on X, "I have two demands: release of Imran, [and] reparations for the injustice done to the public mandate."

He mentioned that he had no interest in holding any position or title and emphasised that he would not align himself with a politician who "plays both sides." Meanwhile, PTI is streaming a live broadcast on its X account, showing supporters gathering in Swabi for a power show.

At the same time, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, while speaking in Sialkot, stated that "permission cannot be given to attack the state like May 9 or November 26."

As per Dawn's reports, in the press conference, he voiced, "While the state is facing terrorism in two of our provinces, this party (PTI), even if not involved in the same acts of terrorism, is still amplifying them". He added, "The resources of the KP government are being used, government employees are being told to attend. A question arises as to why such gatherings do not happen in other provinces?"

He stated that the PTI leadership won't be visible in the remaining three provinces, adding, "We do not have an objection if a peaceful gathering is done, but in the past, all of them have started with violence."

He expressed, "KP's chief minister says that 99 per cent of our demands have been met then that should be a cause for celebration, not protests….. As a political party, they cannot negotiate a political solution; it is a fruitless exercise when there is no sincerity and negotiations are used as a smoke screen." He blamed the PTI for secretly negotiating with the establishment and keeping their words secret from the public.

Earlier in the day, Aliya Hamza, the chief organiser of PTI in Punjab, called on party leaders to stage a protest on Saturday to mark a black day against alleged electoral rigging in last year’s elections, as reported by Dawn.

Following the Punjab government's decision to deny PTI permission for a public rally at Minar-e-Pakistan on February 8, Hamza instructed party Members of Provincial Assembly (MPAs), Members of National Assembly (MNAs), and ticket-holders to coordinate with PTI wing leaders and the public to organise peaceful protests on Saturday.

Aliya Hamza urged PTI leaders to use the protest to raise awareness about the significance of February 8 and highlight the party’s resilience in challenging times through a door-to-door campaign. She emphasised the need for organisers to keep the protests peaceful, well-organized, and reflective of PTI’s commitment to justice and accountability.