The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has submitted a request to the deputy commissioner’s office seeking permission to hold a public gathering in Lahore on February 8, which they have designated as a “Black Day” in response to failed negotiations with the coalition government. The opposition party aims to assemble at the Minar-e-Pakistan ground (Iqbal Park) next month. The application states that PTI leader and Opposition Leader in the Punjab Assembly, Malik Ahmad Khan Bachar, along with Ali Ijaz Buttar, will lead the demonstration. PTI leader Aliya Hamza, speaking outside the deputy commissioner’s office, explained that the party is requesting authorization to mark “Youm-e-Siyah [Black Day]” on February 8, which they claim represents the anniversary of the alleged theft of the public mandate during the previous year’s general elections, where PTI candidates, running as independents, won the most seats but were unable to form a federal government.