Special Assistant to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Information and Public Relations, Shafi Jan, has reacted to the recent statements issued by Maryam Nawaz against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), stating that the success of the nationwide peaceful strike and shutter-down protest has clearly reflected public sentiment and has unsettled those in power.
He said that the widespread public response to the protest has demonstrated that attempts to undermine public opinion have failed, and that the people are expressing their disapproval through democratic means. According to Shafi Jan, PTI remains the country’s most popular and peaceful political party, which has consistently pursued its struggle within the framework of the Constitution and the rule of law.
He emphasized that PTI has always advocated democratic norms and reminded that political history of PML (N) reflects contrasting approaches to dissent and institutions. He noted that the narrative of PML (N) portraying PTI as disruptive has been rejected by the public, as citizens are fully aware of the party’s commitment to peaceful and constitutional politics.
The Special Assistant stated that the electorate had already expressed its political choice through the ballot in favor of PTI and its founding chairman , Imran Khan, while rejecting traditional dynastic politics two years back. He added that slogans of PML (N) advocating respect for the vote lose credibility when the public mandate itself is perceived to be disregarded.
Shafi Jan further remarked that history bears witness to repeated instances where public opinion was overlooked for the sake of retaining power, but he stressed that public awareness has significantly increased and such practices no longer remain unquestioned.
He maintained that political developments in Punjab indicate growing public dissatisfaction of Maryam’s government and that political pressure tactics cannot suppress the democratic voice of the people. According to him, any excesses against PTI and its supporters will be remembered as a dark chapter in political history, as governments in Punjab and Federal lacking public legitimacy cannot silence popular opinion through coercive measures.
Concluding his statement, Shafi Jan reiterated that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf firmly believes in an constitutional, legal, and democratic struggle for the protection of public rights. He expressed confidence that the public stands with Imran Khan.