Shaukat Yousafzai explains reason for delay in PTI's civil disobedience movement

PTI leader also urges the government to take swift action, noting that the country is facing significant challenges.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has decided to delay the start of its civil disobedience movement, according to senior party leader Shaukat Yousafzai.

In a statement, Yousafzai clarified that the movement would have begun immediately if a negotiation committee had not been formed.

He emphasised that PTI leadership had requested the founder of the party to hold off on such a major decision and allow room for dialogue. Unfortunately, he said, the government's response has been immature and dismissive.

"Perhaps the government believes PTI has weakened, which is why they are discussing negotiations," Yousafzai said. "We do not want the country to face further hardship, but the government's behaviour has been disappointing. The timeline for the civil disobedience movement has not been finalised due to these negotiations."

Yousafzai further warned that if no serious discussions take place, PTI's founder may announce a course of action. He added that the government will be held responsible for the damage caused to the country by this course of action.

The PTI leader also urged the government to take swift action, noting that the country is facing significant challenges.

He mentioned that remittances from overseas Pakistanis, which are currently nearing $34 billion, could see a drastic decline if foreign remittances drop by just a few billion dollars.

Talal Chaudhry labels PTI's negotiations as drama to protect Faiz Hameed

Pakistan Muslim League (N) Senator Talal Chaudhry has criticised the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party’s announcement of protests and negotiations, claiming that the move is a ploy to protect former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief General (retd) Faiz Hameed.

Speaking to the media in Islamabad, Chaudhry alleged that the opposition party’s efforts to engage in talks were designed solely to safeguard Hameed, and described the entire negotiation process as a “drama.”

He remarked, “These negotiations are fake and deceptive. During our government, whenever we spoke of talks, they were seen as a sign of weakness.”

Chaudhry further criticised PTI’s stance on the 26th Amendment, asserting that had the amendment not been introduced, the opposition would have succeeded on November 26. He also took a swipe at PTI for using former prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s health condition as a bargaining tool.

Addressing the ongoing discussions around a proposed commission, the senator claimed, “The commission will only start its work once you accept the role of a polling agent for General Pervez Musharraf. We won’t forget May 9.”

Chaudhry also stated that any talks involving individuals such as former Chief Justice Saqib Nisar, Faiz Hameed, and PTI’s founder would not be accepted. “We cannot accept negotiations in which those responsible for national misdeeds are involved,” he added.

He concluded by making a strong statement about PTI’s leadership, saying, “Without generals Zaheerul Islam and Pasha, PTI’s founder would not have even existed.”