Shamim Shahid
Though Pakistan Tehrik Insaaf leaders and policy makers have experienced all sort of protests, agitations and demonstrations but yet to get the goals- which is release of deposed Prime Minister Imran Khan and withdrawal of all sort of cases registered against him and his spouse since April 2023 last. The latest move was call for complete wheel jam strike on Sunday which had earned mixed response.
Despite PTI leaders and stalwarts claims, the Sunday call had failed to be called as a SUCCESSFUL one. Through one or the other ways, it remained too much controversial as no one from Punjab responded positively. And similar was the situation through out urban and rural Sindh. Likewise, majority of people from Baluchistan who are already ahead with trouble due to armed confrontation between the security forces and alleged separatists.
Whereas the situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa which is in Govern of PTI since 2013 last remained different. There was complete partial strike in almost of main cities including Peshawar, Mardan, Dera Ismael Khan, Mingora and Swabi and almost of district headquarters. Even succuffles also witness in a number of places like Mingora, Chakdara, Mardan and Swabi whereas the PTI activists have made attempts for forcible shuttering. One of PTI MPA from Lower Dir had instigated the workers for forcible shuttering. The affected shopkeepers have approached the police for FIR but their request yet to be honoured.
It was also witnessed that a large number of PTI stalwarts from different areas like Swabi and Swat have opposed ideas of protests and agitations in KhyberPakhtunkhwa. Whereas for the first time anti PTI and anti Imran Khan slogans have also been chanted by affected traders and shopkeepers at Chaldara, an important commercial town of Lower Dir.
Even at last moment, Chief of his faction Jamiat Ul Ulema Islam F Maulana Fazal Ur Rahman had also announced his support in favour of Sunday strike. But almost of JUI F activists also remained neutral and have turned to a deaf ear decision of their part chief.
Keeping in view outcomes of February 8th 2026 Sunday strike, the PTI leaders and Policy Makers including Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa needs to review its political strategies. Instead of remaining firm to its stances of political confrontation, they must go for exercising the pure political ways- which is based on dialogues, reconciliation and live let to live.
Now they also got the association of an experienced and senior politician Mehmud Khan Achakzai. And they must allow Mehmud Khan Achakzai to initiate talks and dialogues with the government.
Unless and until taking the high ups of both PML n and PPP it could be impossible for the PTI leaders to get their prime goals- early and unconditional release of Imran Khan and his spouse Ms Bushra Bibi. Mehmud Khan Achakzai is considered one of the most senior nationalist Democrat politician. He remained part of MRD and also in alliance with PML N. On such grounds, he enjoying due respect and credibility, therefore, he may be given a chance to negotiate and settle the issue- the issue of Imran Khan and his hostilities with the powerful military establishment. On the other hand Sunday strike confirmed sense of deprivation not only amongst common people but even amongst the PTI stalwarts and workers as well.
There exists complete dead lock in economic sectors throughout Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Poverty and unemployment are on rise. Not only people from lower and middle classes but even from superior classes are unable to afford sky rocketing pricez of edible and othrr essentism items. Instead of summer, people from all over Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are experiencing hours long electricity load shedding even in chilly cold winter. Besides continue terror and violent acts, street crises getting momentum with each passing day. Chief Minister Sohail Afridi along with his political agenda, should keep in mind genuine needs and wishes of over forty million people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which would definitely make his PTI beneficial in near future.
