PTI's Noreen Khan Calls for KPK Shutdown and Tarbela Dam Occupation on February 8
In a significant development, Noreen Khan, the sister of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, has reportedly issued a directive to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers from outside Adiala Jail. On Tuesday, she called for a complete shutdown of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) on February 8 and urged the occupation of Tarbela Dam to disrupt power supply. Her message, which included the phrase "Do something bigger," suggests a strategy to pressure the government into releasing Imran Khan, who is currently incarcerated on corruption charges.
Concerns Over PTI's Confrontational Approach and Anti-State Rhetoric
Political analysts express deep concern over this call, viewing it as a potential repeat of the May 9 attacks, which led to the imprisonment of hundreds of PTI workers and second-tier leaders. Inciting violence and challenging the state's writ is considered a serious crime, and the party's continued confrontational path could have disastrous consequences. The courts have convicted Imran Khan on corruption charges, and his release is solely a judicial matter—he is not a political prisoner.
Another alarming aspect is PTI's persistent anti-Army narrative and alleged solidarity with terrorist elements. Terrorism poses an existential threat to Pakistan, and security forces have made unparalleled sacrifices to thwart such designs. Showing sympathy to these groups is seen as disloyalty to the state. The resurgence of terrorism in KPK is linked to the return of TTP terrorists during PTI's rule, with the party's opposition to action against them providing a conducive environment for attacks.
KPK Government's Role and Tirah Valley Controversy
KPK Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has been accused of politicizing issues to build anti-Army sentiments, particularly in the Tirah Valley. Reports of military operations in the area have been dismissed by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, who clarified that recent displacements are routine and seasonal due to harsh winter conditions. The provincial government allocated Rs 4 billion for displaced families, with relocation notifications issued after consultations with local Jirgas.
However, analysts suggest that the anti-Army propaganda may be aimed at protecting a drug-crime nexus. Poppy cultivation on approximately 12,000 acres in Tirah Valley is reportedly patronized by criminal elements with political backing. This narrative is also seen as an attempt to garner support for PTI's February 8 shutdown call.
PTI's Popularity and Strategic Missteps
Despite regular sit-ins by Imran Khan's sisters outside Adiala Jail, attendance has been limited to a few hundred, as lamented by Aleema Khan. The myth of Imran Khan's massive popularity has been challenged in recent by-elections, with turnout never exceeding twenty thousand during his marches. PTI is viewed as a one-man party lacking national-level leaders, and its pro-TTP stance and confrontation with the establishment are deemed unsustainable.
Intellectual circles warn that PTI's confrontational strategy is unlikely to succeed and could result in further embarrassment. The party is advised to abandon its pro-TTP stance and prioritize state interests. Failure to do so may jeopardize the position of KPK's Chief Minister and cause irrevocable damage to the party, as Pakistan's security must come first.
