According to the report, the former education minister said after much contemplation, he had decided to leave politics. “I now wish to dedicate the rest of my life to writing and teaching," said the prominent PTI leader who had decided to abstain from contesting in any constituency for the general elections 2024.

"34 years ago, I resigned from government service to enter politics," he wrote in a social media post. He clarified that this decision is neither due to any pressure nor an intention to join another political party.

"This announcement is solely about my departure from politics and relates to the demands of time and age,” he said. “I completely agree with those who say that young people should come forward in politics," he maintained.

Shafqat had previously submitted nomination papers for NA-128 and PP-170, and then chose to withdraw from the electoral race as PTI did not award party ticket to him. He had decided to remain silent on police crackdown on party leadership and workers after May 9 incidents.