PESHAWAR/ ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) marked November 26 as a “Black Day” with a massive rally at the Hayatabad Sports Complex, honoring workers killed, injured, and arrested in last year’s Islamabad clashes.
KP Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi announced weekly peaceful protests by all PTI lawmakers outside the Islamabad High Court every Tuesday, warning absentees would be “named and shamed”. He pledged personal visits to Adiala jail every Thursday until Imran Khan is granted regular meetings. The event was attended by CM Afridi, senior leaders, legislators and families of the victims.
Chief Minister Sohail Afridi welcomed the families and recalled the events of November 26, calling it “a painful and tragic day for the PTI”. He alleged that peaceful workers were targeted at the D-Chowk and linked the incident to earlier episodes, including what he described as a false-flag operation and firing on protesters in Muridke. He said these events conveyed the impression that “some powerful people consider the public nothing more than sheep and goats”. The chief minister criticised attempts to curtail constitutional rights and alleged efforts to weaken the judiciary and media. Afridi said Imran Khan had spent around 850 days in “unjust imprisonment” and accused “powerful quarters” of pushing through the 26th and 27th Constitutional Amendments. He announced that the PTI would hold a public gathering at the same venue on December 7, reiterating that all future actions would remain peaceful and within constitutional limits.
The speakers reaffirmed support for the victims’ families, criticised recent constitutional amendments and announced weekly demonstrations outside the IHC, along with continued efforts to secure regular meetings with incarcerated party founder Imran Khan. A documentary was screened and prayers were offered for the victims, while portraits of those killed were displayed at the venue.
Barrister Gohar Ali Khan thanked attendees and vowed: “This day will forever be remembered in the name of our martyrs.” He insisted the PTI never sought confrontation, only marched for constitutional supremacy and would continue following the directives of “Prisoner 804,” Imran Khan. Referring to the Haripur by-election, he lamented yet another stolen mandate.
Secretary General Salman Akram Raja declared that despite immense hardships, the nation now stands united behind PTI’s ideology. “PTI stands with every inch of Pakistan — from KP to Balochistan, GB to AJK,” he said, assuring supporters: “The prisoner of Adiala will very soon walk free among you with honour and justice.” He prayed for the martyrs and an end to tyranny.
MNA Iqbal Afridi paid tribute to those killed on November 26, May 9 and during the Haqeeqi Azadi movement. He condemned the unprecedented de-notification of PTI lawmakers, stating the party had sacrificed its government for principles, and questioned why terrorism is blamed solely on KP while Balochistan suffers despite decades of federal rule.
PTI KP President Junaid Akbar Khan said the martyrs “sacrificed for the rule of law” and deserve the same honour as soldiers who die defending Pakistan. Senator Faisal Javed Khan revealed that Pakistanis worldwide—from the US, UK, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan to China—observed Black Day. He alleged PTI had won over 180 National Assembly seats on February 8, only to see the results rigged. “This was not injustice against PTI or Imran Khan—it was injustice against the people of Pakistan.”
Sheikh Waqas vowed the PTI will never relent until true democracy is restored, the Constitution upheld, the people’s mandate respected, and Imran Khan and all political prisoners are freed. He condemned the fascism of November 26, 2024, the ongoing repression, media blackout, political witch-hunts and institutional paralysis, warning that the same authoritarian mindset persists. Yet, he declared: “Tyranny is never eternal—the voice of the people always prevails.”
Waqas raised alarm over Imran Khan’s safety, describing him as unlawfully held in a death cell under fabricated charges and subjected to inhumane conditions. He condemned the deliberate suspension of the former prime minister’s fundamental rights, expressing grave concern for the physical and mental wellbeing of both Khan and Bushra Bibi. He accused authorities of repeatedly defying court orders by denying Khan access to lawyers, family, physicians and party leaders for weeks, and warned of reports suggesting an imminent jail transfer.
The ceremony concluded with the screening of a short documentary featuring those killed on November 26, 2024, followed by prayers for the deceased and all victims of the Islamabad tragedy.
In a related development, the Adiala jail administration dismissed circulating rumours claiming the PTI founder had been moved out of the facility, insisting he remained inside the prison and was in good health. “There is no truth to reports about his transfer from Adiala jail,” officials from the Rawalpindi prison said in a statement, adding: “He is fully healthy and receiving complete medical attention”. The officials further clarified that speculation about his health was “baseless”, stressing that the PTI founder’s well-being was being ensured.
