PTI Announces Peaceful Protests on February 17, Rejects Reports of Alliance With PPP, PML-N

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) announced plans for “peaceful protests” nationwide, refuting reports of alliances with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the PTI-P in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Despite claims of founder Imran Khan softening his stance and willingness to engage in talks with PPP and PTI-P, PTI leader Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif denied contacting PPP for government formation. Imran Khan firmly advised against alliances with PPP and PML-N, emphasizing opposition roles.

During a meeting with Khan in Rawalpindi, PTI leaders Barrister Gohar Khan and Sher Afzal Marwat rejected coalition possibilities with PPP, reaffirming PTI’s stance against forming alliances with PPP and PTI-P. Gohar explicitly denied reports of an alliance between PTI and PTI-P in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

PTI invited political parties alleging election rigging, including Jamaat-e-Islami and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), to join their cause. As PML-N allies with other parties to form a coalition government, PTI claimed to have sufficient parliamentary seats to elect its prime minister. Omar Ayub was nominated as PTI’s prime ministerial candidate, with Mian Aslam nominated for Punjab chief minister and Salar Khan for Balochistan’s top office.

Former PTI chairman Gohar claimed PTI secured 180 National Assembly seats in the 2024 polls, demanding acceptance of results in line with Form 45s. PTI aimed to meet with JUI-F leader Fazlur Rehman, aligning with parties contesting election fairness.

Two days prior, PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari expressed willingness for PTI to join the reconciliation process, emphasizing inclusive political participation. Zardari advocated for collective efforts towards economic and defense agendas, aiming for national success.

In another development, the Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE) released the date sheet for Secondary School Certification (SSC) Part I and II exams. Scheduled from March 26 to April 25, 2024, the exams aim for uninterrupted electricity distribution during Ramadan. Practical exams commence from April 26.

The NTDC committed to uninterrupted electricity distribution during Ramadan, implementing a maintenance program for transmission lines and grid stations. Activities include washing, cleaning, and replacing disc insulators. Shutdowns are planned for 500kV and 220kV transmission line circuits in the southern region to enhance power delivery reliability.

These announcements and initiatives signify PTI’s political strategy, educational planning, and energy sector commitments, navigating alliances, electoral claims, and infrastructure maintenance during a critical period in Pakistan.