ISLAMABAD: An important development has emerged within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), as the party’s information secretary, Shaukat Yousafzai, has sent a written letter to the senior leadership, strongly recommending that the proposed long march be deferred for the time being in view of the country’s prevailing political and security situation.
Key Points of the Letter: External Threats and National Interest
In the letter addressed to PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and other senior party leaders, Shaukat Yousafzai maintained that the national interest demanded that the long march be postponed immediately.
He argued that the country was currently facing serious external threats, while a renewed wave of terrorism was also creating additional security challenges. In such sensitive circumstances, he cautioned, launching a protest movement could prove dangerous.
Fears of Emergency and Government Strategy
Yousafzai also expressed concern that the federal government could use various developments as a pretext to impose an emergency in the country.
He stressed that instead of entering into direct confrontation with the state, efforts should be made to restore an atmosphere conducive to dialogue and negotiations.
The letter further warned that any possible aggression from Afghanistan could potentially be used as a justification for imposing an emergency in the country.
Risk of Dismissal of KP Government and Ban on PTI
The PTI leader further claimed that the federal administration was deliberately building a narrative of non-cooperation against the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government.
Against this backdrop, he feared that efforts could also be made to dismiss the provincial government.
Yousafzai additionally warned of the possibility that allegations of supporting terrorism could be levelled against the PTI and subsequently used as grounds for imposing a ban on the party.
Reference to Imran Khan’s Previous Decision
At the conclusion of the letter, Yousafzai also referred to PTI founder Imran Khan’s previous decision to call off a long march while prioritising the safety of party workers.
He urged the party leadership to consider his recommendations with due seriousness, particularly in light of the country’s current political and security environment.
