ISLAMABAD – Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Secretary Shaukat Yousafzai broke down during a live television programme while discussing social media trolling and the party’s response to his letter seeking a postponement of the long march.
Speaking on a local private TV, Yousafzai said he had raised concerns as a senior party member, adding that remarks made by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi regarding his letter had hurt him.
“I did not expect this from Sohail Afridi,” he said.
Yousafzai said that when Afridi announced the march for October 4, he had immediately expressed his willingness to participate.
شوکت یوسفزئی تحریک انصاف کے سینئر رہنمائوں میں سے ہیں، سوشل میڈیا پر ٹرولنگ پر اِن کے ضبط کے بندھن بھی ٹوٹ گئے، آنسو نکل آئے، آواز بھرا گئی۔۔!! pic.twitter.com/xegklnIaMK
— Khurram Iqbal (@khurram143) September 30, 2026
“I said I would be the first person to join. But I am saddened by the language used against me on social media,” he said.
The PTI leader became emotional while responding to allegations made against him, saying he was being accused of having “sold out”.
“I speak about principles. I have no fear or apprehension,” Yousafzai said, adding that he had defended Afridi against allegations that he was facilitating terrorists.
Yousafzai said PTI workers who had remained with the party after the May 9 events had endured difficult circumstances.
He also recalled raising similar concerns during the November 26 protest, saying certain social media activists were causing damage to the party.
“They are shameless. There is no question of me leaving the party,” he said.
Yousafzai had earlier written to the PTI chairman seeking an immediate postponement of the long march, citing concerns over the prevailing situation and potential risks associated with the planned protest.
