Traffic jam closes some roads in Peshawar, but businesses remain open in many districts
PESHAWAR:
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Thursday observed a wheel-lock and shutdown strike across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, including the capital Peshawar, to protest alleged fraud in the general elections on February 8, 2024. The strike saw a mix of large-scale mobilization in some urban centers and limited disruptions in others, with business activity continuing in many areas.
In the provincial capital, PTI workers staged protests and imposed shutdowns on several major roads and highways. Public transport services were suspended in parts of the city, although the government’s bus rapid transit (BRT) service remained operational. Taxi services would also be functional in various areas.
Despite the strike call, commercial activity continued in several areas of Peshawar. Shops remained open in some markets, while food outlets and essential goods stores operated in some localities.
The food street at Fawara Chowk in Peshawar Cantonment is said to be in full operation and most of the shops along University Road have also remained open.
PTI Deputy Information Secretary Ikram Khatana said the party was observing a complete strike in all districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and holding district-level protest rallies.
In Peshawar, a foot march was planned from Hashtnagri to Chowk Yadgar, with the participation of district leaders, party activists and members of the trading community. The march was to be led by PTI KP president Junaid Akbar, who along with other senior leaders was expected to address the workers once they reached Chowk Yadgar.
Similar protest demonstrations were planned across the province, led by PTI MPs and MPAs in their respective constituencies.
The effect of the strike was uneven outside the capital. In Swabi, all markets, malls and commercial hubs remained open despite the call for closure, and traffic flowed normally throughout the area. Lower Dir also reported that business centers were operating as usual and public transport services were operating on schedule.
In Charsadda, neighborhood stores and markets remained open without significant disruption to traffic; The PTI has announced a protest demonstration at Farooq-e-Azam Chowk at 3 p.m. Authorities in Charsadda confirmed the deployment of around 4,200 police officers to maintain public order.
The provincial action took place within a broader national context in which the PTI and allied opposition parties reaffirmed their determination to continue nationwide protests and strikes, dubbing February 8 both a “Black Day” and a “Day of Mourning.”
The administration decided to tighten security, imposed Section 144 in parts of Islamabad and initiated measures to curb the mobilization. At the same time, several opposition figures condemned a recent deadly explosion in Islamabad and called for peaceful protests and restraint.
As tensions simmer in KP, the administration in neighboring Punjab has taken steps to block any potential spillover of the protests. Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Dr Hassan Waqar Cheema has imposed Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code across the district for 15 days, effective from February 7 to 21, 2026.
An official notification issued by the office of Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi on February 7, 2026, imposing Section 144 across the district for 15 days to prohibit all gatherings, demonstrations and gatherings of five or more people.
The order cites intelligence reports from the District Intelligence Committee (DIC) indicating an “imminent threat” and the mobilization of certain groups intending to disturb public order near sensitive installations and important roads. Under this ban, all kinds of gatherings, gatherings, gatherings and demonstrations involving five or more people are strictly prohibited.
The Rawalpindi administration also banned the carrying of weapons, the use of loudspeakers, the transport of passengers and any attempt to remove movement restrictions imposed by the police.
Read: PTI, opposition bloc stand firm as govt takes steps to deter strike
At a joint press conference yesterday, opposition leaders criticized the government’s handling of security and called for accountability; They also called on the public to observe the day calmly and stay indoors as much as possible. Senior opposition figures, including representatives of the PTI and TTAP, framed the protests as a response to what they described as failures in governance and security.
Law enforcement remained on alert in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, with contingency plans in place to manage gatherings and protect public safety. No major, coordinated violence was reported in the province during the day, and local authorities described the overall situation as largely under control while monitoring developments.
PTI leaders said protests would continue in the coming days and district and provincial leaders would supervise the continuation of protest activities. Local business associations and civic groups offered mixed responses to the strike call, with some expressing support for the party’s demands for accountability and others urging a resumption of normal business activity.
– With additional contribution from Saleh Mughal in Rawalpindi
