PTI’s final fiasco | Pakistan today

The recent defeat of the PTI during the so-called “Last Call” protests has left the party looking for a way out of its mounting political humiliation. Amid declining public support and mounting political pressure, the PTI is resorting to increasingly dubious tactics in an attempt to regain lost ground, with founder Chairman Bushra Bibi now at the center of the party’s desperate efforts.

The bottom line is that PTI’s attempts to revive the Last Call protest and portray Bushra Bibi as a political martyr is nothing more than a poorly executed publicity stunt. The lack of leadership at the protest site, discredited claims of civilian casualties and exaggerated rhetoric surrounding Bushra Bibi’s alleged mysterious move all suggest that PTI is failing in its efforts to remain relevant in the face of public disappointment.

When PTI first launched the Last Call campaign, it tried to create a story of an unstoppable movement led by its fearless leadership. The idea was to show strength as PTI leaders stood defiantly at D Chowk, challenging the strength of law enforcement agencies. The party tried to portray its leadership as unwavering in the face of adversity, hoping to rally its base around the idea of ​​sacrifice and resistance.

However, as the protest unfolded, reality quickly destroyed this carefully crafted image. Neither Bushra Bibi nor key PTI figures such as Ali Amin Gandapur were anywhere near the protest site. Bushra Bibi, who had been a key behind-the-scenes figure in PTI’s strategy, was nowhere to be seen and her absence from the protest was apparently ignored by party leaders, who quickly moved on to more sensational claims.

In an attempt to salvage the situation and generate sympathy, PTI’s social media machinery began spreading the allegation that over 30 protesters were shot dead by Rangers, allegedly in a crackdown on the protests. The statement appears to have been intended to create a dramatic story of PTI martyrdom, positioning the party as a victim of a repressive state. However, once again the PTI version fell apart under scrutiny.

No evidence has emerged to support these claims. In fact, reports and investigations into the incident have shown that the alleged casualties were either exaggerated or completely fabricated, with no bodies or hospital records to back up the story. The deception backfired, causing PTI’s credibility to decline.

But the party, desperate to turn the situation in its favor, has resorted to another bold move, this time involving Bushra Bibi’s sister, Maryam Riaz Wattoo. Speaking on a popular talk show, Wattu claimed that Bushra Bibi was mysteriously moved from one place to another under unclear circumstances, even hinting that the former first lady’s safety might be at risk. The timing of this statement raised eyebrows. It was as if PTI was preparing the public for the possibility of a new sensational story in which Bushra could be portrayed as the victim of some grand political conspiracy or, worse, a potential target for political destruction.

The story surrounding the alleged disappearance or mysterious move of Bushra Bibi is a desperate attempt by the PTI to divert attention from the party’s glaring failures. PTI is clearly hoping to make Bushra Bibi a central figure in its ongoing political drama, presenting her as a symbol of sacrifice and martyrdom in the face of an oppressive establishment. But this tactic, like others, is as superficial as it is transparent.

It is also worth noting the glaring contradictions in the PTI narrative. Just a few weeks ago, Bushra Bibi was lauded as a strong pillar within the party, known for her political influence and alleged behind-the-scenes role in shaping the PTI’s strategy. However, she is now portrayed as a helpless victim who is allegedly being moved secretly, as if she is being hunted by the state. If Bushra Bibi is indeed as powerful and politically savvy as PTI portrays her, why has she suddenly become the target of such a nefarious conspiracy? Why is she treated like a pawn in party history rather than a capable and strong leader?

Moreover, PTI’s reliance on Maryam Riaz Wattu, a person with no real political standing, to make such serious allegations about her sister’s welfare only adds to the absurdity of the situation. Ms. Wattoo’s appearance on national television telling sensational stories about Bushra Bibi’s supposed plight appears to be an orchestrated attempt to drum up sympathy for the party and its embattled leadership rather than a genuine expression of concern. If PTI was truly concerned about Bushra Bibi’s safety, why not take direct action through formal channels instead of relying on speculative media appearances to raise public opinion?

The bottom line is that PTI’s attempts to revive the Last Call protest and portray Bushra Bibi as a political martyr is nothing more than a poorly executed publicity stunt. The lack of leadership at the protest site, discredited claims of civilian casualties and exaggerated rhetoric surrounding Bushra Bibi’s alleged mysterious move all suggest that PTI is failing in its efforts to remain relevant in the face of public disappointment.

Instead of focusing on exaggerated claims and desperate tactics, the PTI would be better off addressing the real issues: the party’s inability to govern, its internal divisions and loss of public trust. Instead of manipulating the narrative with increasingly outlandish claims about Bushra Bibi, PTI should take a hard look at the reasons for its fall and focus on restoring its political credibility rather than relying on hoaxes and theatrics to remain in the public eye.