'Disappointed': PTI's Yousafzai calls for internal inquiry after abrupt end to protest

Aside from KP CM, no other leader came forward to take charge, says Yousafzai

Web Desk

November 27, 2024

A view of campaign posters and damaged vehicles, after security forces launched a raid on supporters of former prime minister Imran Khans party PTI who had stormed the capital demanding his release on Tuesday, in Islamabad, November 27, 2024. — Reuters — A view of campaign posters and damaged vehicles, after security forces launched a raid on supporters of former prime minister Imran Khan's party PTI who had stormed the capital demanding his release on Tuesday, in Islamabad, November 27, 2024. — Reuters

Yousafzai says leadership failed to provide clear guidance.
Lack of planning within leadership was evident, he says.
Yousafzai questioned why so many party workers were mobilised.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Shaukat Yousafzai expressed concerns about the abrupt end of the Islamabad protest, saying that the party leadership had "disappointed" him.

While speaking on Geo News' programme 'Geo Pakistan', Yousafzai said that the party leadership had failed to provide clear guidance during the protest, which lasted for three days after beginning on November 24.

He pointed out that, aside from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, no other leader had come forward to take charge of the protest.

The lack of consultation and planning within the leadership was evident, according to Yousafzai, especially with the decision to focus on D-Chowk.

PTI leader Shaukat Yousafzai addressing a press conference in Peshawar in this undated image. — Screengrab/GeoNews

He further questioned why, despite the government's offer for negotiations, no efforts were made to engage in talks. Yousafzai also pointed out that it was widely anticipated that the government would respond with strict measures at D-Chowk.

The party leader called for an internal investigation as to why only D-Chowk was selected as the place for protest.

Additionally, he raised concerns about the absence of key figures like Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Salman Akram Raja, and Sher Afzal Marwat during the protests.

Women and children collect recyclables from the burnt truck used by Bushra Bibi after security forces launched a raid on supporters of PTI in Islamabad, Pakistan, November 27, 2024. — Reuters

Reflecting on the mismanagement, Yousafzai questioned why so many party workers were mobilised when the leadership itself lacked decision-making authority.

Moreover, he revealed that Bushra Bibi, the wife of PTI founder Imran Khan, and KP CM Gandapur were currently in Mansehra and assured that both were safe.

According to federal ministers, Bushra Bibi and KP CM Gandapur fled in the same vehicle. Hundreds of protesters were arrested, and on Jinnah Avenue and Seventh Avenue, protesters abandoned dozens of vehicles and escaped.

In a late-night press conference, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said that the KP CM's name should be "Ali Amin Bhagoora (deserter) instead of Ali Amin Gandapur".