PESHAWAR, October 25, 2026: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Shaukat Yousafzai has distanced his party from narratives promoted by overseas YouTubers against state institutions, saying such statements have no connection with PTI’s official position.
In a statement, Yousafzai said he had advised overseas-based YouTubers to stop offering unsolicited political advice to the party. He emphasized that PTI would continue to follow the political narrative of its founder, Imran Khan.
The former provincial minister also criticized the federal government over the imposition of emergency measures and Governor’s Rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, saying that 14 days had passed without any clear governance strategy emerging.
He alleged that the government had failed to address the country’s economic difficulties, including inflation, unemployment and growing dependence on borrowing.
PTI warns of renewed peaceful protests
Yousafzai said PTI should be given political space, warning that peaceful protests could resume if the government continued its current approach.
He described the party as standing between resistance and reconciliation, adding that its future political strategy would depend on the government’s response.
The PTI leader rejected speculation about internal divisions, maintaining that no forward bloc was emerging within the party.
He said PTI remained united under Barrister Gohar Ali Khan’s leadership and that he was in contact with parliamentary party members.
According to Yousafzai, meaningful political negotiations could become possible only after a meeting with Imran Khan.
He added that the former prime minister wanted the courts to proceed with hearings in cases pending against him.
Questions legality of Governor’s Rule
Yousafzai challenged the constitutional basis of emergency measures and Governor’s Rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, alleging that the government had failed to fulfil the necessary constitutional requirements.
He expressed hope that the Peshawar High Court would issue an important ruling on the matter.
The PTI leader also alleged that the emergency measures were intended to undermine the merger of the former tribal areas with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Expressing concern over the reported crackdown on party workers, he demanded the immediate release of innocent PTI activists, including women.
Yousafzai reiterated his support for peaceful political struggle and rejected suggestions that he had ever advocated breaking Imran Khan out of prison.
He also acknowledged that a lack of trust had existed between the party leadership and workers in the past.