Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Sunday observed a province-wide wheel-jam and shutter-down strike across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, including the capital Peshawar, to protest alleged rigging in the February 8, 2024, general elections. The strike produced a mixture of large-scale mobilisation in some urban centres and limited disruption in others, with business activity continuing in many areas.
In the provincial capital, PTI workers staged protests and enforced stoppages on several major roads and highways. Public transport services were suspended in parts of the city, although the government-run Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service remained operational. Taxi services were also reported to be functional in various areas.
Despite the strike call, commercial activity continued in several parts of Peshawar. Shops remained open in some markets, while food outlets and essential commodity stores operated in selected localities.
The Food Street at Fawara Chowk in Peshawar Cantonment was reported to be fully active, and most shops along University Road also remained open.
PTI Deputy Information Secretary Ikram Khatana said the party was observing a complete strike in all districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and organising district-level protest rallies.
In Peshawar, a foot march was scheduled from Hashtnagri to Chowk Yadgar, with participation from district leadership, party workers and members of the trader community. The march was to be led by PTI K-P President Junaid Akbar, who, along with other senior leaders, was expected to address workers upon reaching Chowk Yadgar.
