“PTI’s Political Drama Is Called ‘Aqal Mamnoo’”: Rauf Klasra Questions Party’s Political Strategy
LAHORE: Senior journalist and political analyst Rauf Klasra has criticised Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) internal political culture, describing its political drama as “Aqal Mamnoo” (Forbidden Intelligence), a play on the title of the popular Turkish drama Ishq-e-Mamnoo.
Speaking on HUM News, Klasra said that individuals who offered politically informed opinions were often labelled as “stooges” or “traitors” and subjected to verbal abuse, while those projecting a more aggressive image received approval on social media and were portrayed as patriotic and loyal party members.
He argued that PTI was facing an internal struggle between elected representatives and unelected individuals, adding that politically experienced members were increasingly being sidelined.
KP Security Situation a Major Test for Federal Government
Commenting on the law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Klasra said improving security in the province would be a major test for the federal government and the establishment.
He said similar briefings and assurances had been heard for the past 25 years, arguing that the latest meeting had not introduced anything substantially new.
Klasra maintained that if residents did not see tangible improvements in security within six months, PTI could emerge politically stronger.
He suggested that the federal government and relevant institutions had an opportunity to improve governance and security in the province, but warned that failure to deliver visible results could strengthen the party’s public support.
Klasra also drew a comparison with the end of the PTI-led government in Punjab under former chief minister Parvez Elahi, claiming that a similar political approach could be adopted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
آج کی بریفنگ کے بعد پی ٹی آئی کی خیبرپختونخواہ حکومت کی واپسی کا کوئی امکان نہیں، عامر الیاس رانا
— Sanaullah Nagra🇵🇰 (@sana1nagra) October 22, 2026
He speculated that Ali Amin Gandapur or another PTI leader might not be allowed to regain control under such a scenario, while Gandapur could be offered political concessions to maintain divisions within the party. These remarks represented Klasra’s analysis rather than an officially announced government decision.
Amir Ilyas Rana Says PTI Faces Political Difficulties
Senior journalist Amir Ilyas Rana, who also appeared on the programme, said that, in his assessment of the latest Apex Committee briefing, there was little possibility of PTI returning to its previous political position in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Rana said the implications of the briefing would become clearer in the coming days.
He added that the Apex Committee had set a target of improving the province’s law and order situation within six to eight months and that reforms to the governance system were also expected.
According to Rana, the chief secretary had briefed participants on federal and provincial departments and proposed development projects. He described the briefing as routine but said administrative changes within the bureaucracy would also be necessary.
Rana further argued that the province’s governance challenges extended beyond the 12 districts associated with terrorism and called for intelligence-based and targeted security operations.
Political Debate Over Afghanistan and Taliban
Rana also commented on politicians who frequently discuss Afghanistan and the Taliban, arguing that political activity in Pakistan should focus on the country’s domestic affairs.
He referred to a message suggesting that those wishing to leave Pakistan should go to Iran, drawing a parallel with his remarks about politicians who focus on Afghanistan.
Both journalists predicted further political challenges for PTI, while emphasising the importance of developments in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over the coming months.
The claims regarding the provincial government’s political future remain the commentators’ assessments; no official decision to remove or replace the KP government was cited in their remarks.
