PTI Leader Shaukat Yousafzai Criticizes Lack of Leadership in Protest, Calls for Investigation into Party’s Failures

Islamabad:Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Shaukat Yousafzai has expressed frustration over the lack of political leadership and coordination during PTI’s recent protest march from Peshawar to Islamabad, stating that key party figures were notably absent during the demonstration. He particularly questioned the whereabouts of senior party leaders like Barrister Gohar and Salman Akram Raja, and called for an investigation into the matter, urging the removal of “black sheep” from the party.

In an interview with a private news channel, Yousafzai condemned the brutality shown by the federal government against PTI supporters but also acknowledged the shortcomings within his own party. He said that PTI needed to take a hard look at its internal failings and shortcomings, particularly in terms of leadership and organizational structure.

Yousafzai stated that during the protest, it was evident that PTI lacked leadership, coordination, and a clear strategy, which led to a sense of disillusionment among party workers. Despite a large turnout of PTI supporters, the absence of a cohesive plan and clear direction was a major disappointment, he added.

**”Where Were the Party Leaders?”**

Commenting on the lack of visible leadership, Yousafzai pointed out that senior party figures who held significant positions were largely absent during the march from Peshawar to Islamabad and at key locations like D-Chowk. “Where were Barrister Gohar and Salman Akram Raja? People with such big positions should not have been absent. It was especially disappointing to see the lack of guidance and support for workers who were under immense pressure,” he said.

Yousafzai also criticized the treatment of former Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, who was blamed for the protest’s shortcomings and was made a scapegoat. “Ali Amin Gandapur was forced into a difficult position. He had to deal with both party workers and political leadership pressures. It was unjust for him to bear the brunt of the failures,” Yousafzai remarked.

**Need for Accountability and Internal Reform**

The PTI leader stressed that the party should focus on internal reforms, calling for an investigation into the protest’s leadership failures and the removal of any individuals who had failed the party and its supporters. He emphasized that PTI’s goal was never to engage in conflict with the military, police, or any state institution but to hold a peaceful protest. However, when violence broke out and gunfire was used, it became impossible for workers to continue their demonstration under such circumstances.

He further questioned why the PTI leadership did not attempt to open negotiations with the government when the situation escalated. “If the issue was the Red Zone, the protest location could have been changed. Why did we insist on going to D-Chowk when Imran Khan had already mentioned a possible venue in Sangjani for the rally?” he asked.

**Criticism of Party’s Decision-Making**

Yousafzai also spoke about the party’s decision-making process, particularly the influence of Bushra Bibi, Imran Khan’s wife, on the party’s political strategy. He claimed that when Bushra Bibi instructed party lawmakers to bring in large numbers of people to attend the protest, he raised concerns but was told to back off. He also stated that while he respected Bushra Bibi, she should not be involved in political decision-making given her lack of a formal role within the party.

“PTI has reached a point where it is so directionless that even basic political decisions are now being made outside the party’s established leadership structure,” Yousafzai added.

**Call for Reform and Strengthening PTI’s Political Leadership**

In closing, Shaukat Yousafzai called for a thorough investigation into the failures during the protest and stressed the need for PTI to reassess its leadership and decision-making processes. He urged that party members who had failed to perform their duties should be held accountable to restore credibility and discipline within the party.