Islamabad, November 27, 2024- Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Shaukat Yousafzai has publicly criticized the party’s central leadership for what he described as a failure to support protesters, leading to widespread disillusionment among party members.
Speaking to a private television channel, Yousafzai expressed frustration over the absence of senior leaders during recent demonstrations in Islamabad. “Where was the leadership during the protests? They have disappointed us,” he remarked, highlighting a lack of communication and coordination within the party.
Yousafzai also questioned the decision-making process behind the protests, particularly the rejection of a proposed demonstration in Sangjani in favor of D-Chowk. “Why was the protest offer at Sangjani rejected? Why was D-Chowk chosen for the protests? These decisions need proper scrutiny,” he added, underscoring concerns over the party’s strategic planning.
He further noted that only Ali Amin Gandapur and Bushra Bibi appeared to actively support the protests, while other senior leaders were conspicuously absent. According to Yousafzai, this lack of consultation and visible leadership has left the party without a clear direction or strategy, exacerbating internal divisions and member frustration.
Bushra Bibi, Gandapur reportedly ‘safe’ in KP
Meanwhile, Bushra Bibi. the wife of PTI founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur have reportedly fled Islamabad amid a police operation targeting PTI protesters. Both figures are now believed to be in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The crackdown began late Tuesday night in Islamabad’s Blue Area, where the duo was last seen near Kulsoom Plaza. PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram has assured the public of their safety but declined to reveal his sources.
While close aides have confirmed Gandapur’s arrival in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, similar reports about Bushra Bibi remain unofficial. Maryam Riaz Watto, Bushra Bibi’s sister, raised alarms over her sibling’s safety, alleging in a video message that Bushra might have been “kidnapped.” She noted that the family had not heard from her since security forces reportedly fired on PTI protestors’ vehicles.
“If Bushra Bibi had reached KP, she would have contacted us,” Maryam said, adding that conflicting reports about her alleged arrest and supposed arrival in KP have heightened the family’s anxiety.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated that efforts are underway to apprehend both Bushra Bibi and Ali Amin Gandapur. “We are taking all necessary steps to detain them,” he said, without providing further details about the ongoing operation.
