Kamran Shahid Questions PTI’s Political Strategy as Journalists Highlight Internal Divisions

LAHORE:Television anchor Kamran Shahid has questioned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) strategy of confronting powerful state institutions and the federal government, arguing that the party lacked sufficient public mobilisation on the ground to sustain such a confrontation.

Speaking on Dunya News, Shahid said that although PTI believed the 2024 general elections had been rigged, the public did not launch a significant protest movement in response. He added that the arrests of former prime minister Imran Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi had also failed to trigger widespread public demonstrations.

Shahid further pointed out that the imposition of governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the reported deterioration in Imran Khan’s eye condition had not resulted in the public mobilisation the party might have expected.

He argued that PTI continued to enjoy support among voters and sympathisers, but electoral popularity alone was insufficient to achieve political objectives without an organised presence on the streets.

“When you did not have public power on the ground, on what basis were you challenging the most powerful institutions in the country and the federal government?” Shahid questioned, urging the party to demonstrate political wisdom and realism.

He maintained that PTI should have assessed its political strength more carefully before pursuing a confrontation that it lacked the capacity to sustain.

Meanwhile, senior journalist Mushtaq Yousafzai highlighted what he described as internal divisions within PTI and the absence of a clear alternative strategy surrounding the proposed long march towards Islamabad.

Speaking on HUM News, Yousafzai said Sohail Afridi had previously told him that the party would have Plan B and Plan C if he were disqualified. However, according to the journalist, no effective alternative plans became evident when the situation developed.

Yousafzai alleged that some newer party members had labelled experienced leaders who advocated dialogue and negotiations as fearful or informants. He said these accusations discouraged senior figures from taking an active role in the protest.

He added that veteran leaders were concerned that emotionally charged supporters could become involved in violence, potentially leading to further legal cases, as had happened following the May 9, 2023, incidents.

According to Yousafzai, senior leaders, including Asad Qaiser, Shahram Tarakai and Shaukat Yousafzai, had begun consultations on how to overcome the party’s current difficulties. He also mentioned discussions about a possible show-cause notice to Shaukat Yousafzai.

Separately, V News bureau chief Lihaz Ali claimed that Afridi had faced intense pressure on social media to march towards Islamabad. During a meeting, Asad Qaiser and Taimur Jhagra reportedly opposed the proposal, but Afridi eventually announced the march under pressure.

Ali further claimed that an attempt was later made through Barrister Gohar to persuade Mahmood Khan Achakzai to announce the cancellation of the long march. Achakzai reportedly refused, maintaining that those who had announced it should take responsibility for their decision.

The bureau chief also questioned the absence of several senior PTI leaders, including Barrister Gohar, Salman Akram Raja and Asad Qaiser, from the protest container, where Shahid Khattak was among the few prominent party figures present.

Ali argued that the senior leadership had failed to collectively take responsibility for the march, leaving Afridi in a difficult political position.

The comments by Shahid, Yousafzai and Ali have brought renewed attention to PTI’s protest strategy, internal disagreements and the challenges facing its leadership amid escalating political tensions. The allegations and assessments reflect the journalists’ accounts and have not been independently verified.