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Social Media Criticism Over Strike Call
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has come under sharp criticism on social media following its call for a nationwide shutter-down and wheel-jam strike on February 8, 2026. Users have accused the party leadership of adopting double standards, triggering a fresh political controversy ahead of the planned protest.
According to viral posts circulating online, PTI leader Aleema Khan urged party workers to actively mobilize markets and ensure the success of the shutdown. However, the backlash intensified after claims emerged that, at the same time, her son Shehryar was granted permission to celebrate Basant in Lahore with family members. This apparent contradiction has fueled widespread criticism.
Many social media users argued that while party leadership is encouraging workers and supporters to shut businesses and take to the streets, their own families appear to be carrying on with personal celebrations. Critics say such actions undermine the moral authority of the protest call and raise questions about fairness and consistency.
Concerns Over Impact on Daily Wage Earners
A major point of concern raised online relates to the economic impact of the strike on daily wage earners and small traders. Users highlighted that shutter-down protests disproportionately affect laborers and low-income workers who rely on daily earnings to support their families. With the country already facing economic pressure, critics argue that calls for business closures risk deepening financial hardship for vulnerable groups.
Political analysts have also weighed in, noting that mixed signals from party leadership can erode public trust. They stress that protest movements gain credibility only when sacrifices are shared equally across leadership and supporters. Selective application of such calls, analysts say, weakens political narratives and creates disillusionment among workers and ordinary citizens.
Commentators further questioned whether a shutdown framed as a principled stance truly serves the public interest if its consequences are not borne uniformly. They argue that such contradictions may damage long-term political credibility, especially at a time when economic conditions are already straining the working class.
So far, PTI or Aleema Khan has not issued an official response to the controversy. Meanwhile, the debate continues online, highlighting the growing gap between political messaging and perceived leadership conduct as February 8 approaches.
