PTI’s Shaukat Yousufzai Clarifies Stance After Urging Long March Delay

Further details have emerged regarding the internal Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) disagreement over its planned long march, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi reportedly reacting strongly to advice from the party's provincial Information Secretary, Shaukat Yousufzai, to postpone the event. According to reports, Afridi said he would throw such a letter "in the trash."

In a clarification, Yousufzai stated his letter outlining security concerns was intended for the party's political committee and the party founder, not for public release. He also expressed fears that a confrontation could lead to a ban on the party. Despite his reservations and the backlash, Yousufzai reiterated that if the march proceeds on October 4, he will participate.

PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Secretary Shaukat Yousufzai became emotional during a live television appearance while discussing the backlash he faced for advising the party to postpone its long march. Yousufzai grew tearful while addressing accusations that he had been "sold out," stating he speaks on principle and has no fear.

He clarified that his letter was intended for the party's political committee to warn against being led into a trap similar to the events of May 9 and to explore a negotiated path for the relief of the party's founder. He also strongly criticized social media activists for trolling him, calling them "shameless" and accusing them of harming the party. Despite the controversy, Yousufzai categorically stated that the question of him leaving PTI "does not arise."

Speaking to the media, PTI leader Shaukat Yousufzai expressed his disappointment over the reaction to his letter advising a postponement of the party's long march. Yousufzai said he "feels very bad" about the reported comments from KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, whom he described as a younger brother.

He clarified that his letter was intended to raise concerns about worker safety and to prevent the protest from being used as a pretext for accusations against the party. "I did not expect this from Sohail Afridi," Yousufzai stated, adding that he was saddened by the subsequent abuse he received on social media, which he felt unfairly questioned his loyalty to PTI.

Despite the disagreement, he reiterated that if the long march proceeds, he will be at the forefront.

The internal divisions within Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) over its planned long march have become more public, with KP Information Secretary Shaukat Yousufzai openly criticising the provincial chief minister's reaction to his call for postponement.

In a media appearance, Yousufzai defended the letter he sent to the party leadership, stating he was giving his opinion as a senior, founding member of the party. He described an alleged comment by KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi to "tear up the letter" as an inappropriate response.

Despite the disagreement, Yousufzai reaffirmed his loyalty, stating that if the long march proceeds on October 4, he will be at the forefront. He reiterated his security concerns, questioning the wisdom of the march when provincial ministers are allegedly being targeted by authorities.

Meanwhile, CM Sohail Afridi maintained a defiant stance, vowing that the long march will go ahead and that no threats or force could deter the party.

PTI's Interim Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan also revealed that the party has put forward suggestions to the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) for a potential All Parties Conference (APC). He stated that the party is hopeful for a positive response within a day or two, adding that the aim is to build a coordinated effort among political parties on issues of national concern.

Conflicting signals have emerged from within Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) regarding its planned October 4 long march, revealing internal divisions over the protest.

On Tuesday, PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Secretary Shaukat Yousufzai urged the party leadership to postpone the march. In a letter to Interim Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Yousufzai cited the security situation, increased terrorist activity, and the risk of the federal government imposing emergency rule in the province as reasons for a delay.

However, Barrister Gohar publicly rejected the proposal and reaffirmed the party's decision to proceed with the march on October 4. Speaking to the media, he stated the call for the protest remains intact and was a unanimous decision by the party's political committee. He also dismissed reports that the party was considering dissolving the KP Assembly and affirmed that Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has the full confidence of the party's founder, Imran Khan.

Gohar also mentioned that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had written a letter to the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, proposing a meeting, suggesting a potential avenue for dialogue.

Federal Information Minister Atta Tarar stated on Tuesday that it would be "premature" to confirm whether Governor's Rule or an emergency would be imposed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. However, he asserted that the provincial government's governance has "totally collapsed".

Speaking on the matter, Tarar highlighted a deteriorating law and order situation, citing recent security incidents in Swat, Dir, and Lakki Marwat. He claimed the PTI-led government has failed to control the situation and suggested it was unwilling to act against terrorists.

The minister also alleged that despite receiving over Rs 700 billion in the last three years for police reforms and counter-terrorism, the provincial administration had failed to build capacity.

Amid escalating tensions and continued speculation about the imposition of Governor's Rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, reports have emerged suggesting that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership has gone underground.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Suhail Afridi has adopted a defiant stance, declaring that the PTI's planned long march to Islamabad on October 4 will proceed under any circumstances, adding they are prepared for “rebellion” if necessary.

His statement comes as a federal official clarified the government's position, stating that an emergency under Article 235 is being considered due to the deteriorating law and order situation in KP. The official laid out two main conditions to avert federal intervention: PTI must unconditionally call off the long march, and the KP government must withdraw its controversial police amendment law.

PTI Chairman Gohar Khan has publicly backed CM Afridi and the decision to march. However, in what appears to be mixed messaging from the party, senior PTI leader Ali Zafar described a potential delay in the march as a “pause” for negotiations, not a defeat, suggesting the government has an opportunity for dialogue.

Senior federal government figures have reinforced the possibility of federal intervention in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, citing a deteriorating security situation. Federal minister Atta Tarar stated that options including an emergency or Governor's Rule are being actively considered due to the provincial government's 'complete failure' to maintain law and order, referencing recent attacks in Hangu and D.I. Khan.

He accused the KP administration of misusing over 700 billion rupees allocated for counter-terrorism. Separately, former interior minister Rana Sanaullah confirmed that constitutional options under Articles 232 and 234 are on the table, but noted a political solution remains possible if the KP government cooperates with the federation on national security matters.

A senior federal minister has publicly outlined conditions that could avert the imposition of Governor's Rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, shifting the focus from a threat of intervention to a conditional offer.

Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, stated that federal intervention could be avoided if the PTI-led provincial government meets certain demands. He said the PTI must first unconditionally withdraw its call for a long march on Islamabad. Secondly, the provincial government must withdraw a controversial police amendment law. The minister suggested that meeting these conditions would allow for an "alignment" on strategy going forward.

Chaudhry accused the KP government of weak governance which he claimed has led to a rise in terrorism, and said the federal government was considering action under Article 232 of the constitution.

Public divisions have emerged within PTI regarding the planned long march on Islamabad, creating a clash over strategy. Former provincial minister Shaukat Yousufzai publicly reiterated his call for the protest to be postponed. He warned that the federal government wants to use the march as a pretext to impose an emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and potentially ban the party.

In contrast, other PTI leaders have dismissed these concerns, insisting the march will proceed on October 4. They characterized those urging a delay as attempting to distract from the government's alleged failures and corruption.

Furthering his call to postpone the party's planned Islamabad march, PTI leader Shaukat Yousufzai stated that a protest is “not appropriate” in the current situation and should be deferred to avoid a potential crackdown and loss of life. Separately, PTI Senator Ejaz Chaudhry commented that while the party will continue with its legal options and peaceful protests, the “door for talks will remain open.” He described the delay in the march as a “pause” intended to give the government an opportunity to “correct its course.”