Current PTI Leadership
Amid reports of internal rifts within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry has stated there is “no chance” of the incarcerated party founder Imran Khan’s release under the current PTI leadership.
This statement comes in light of criticism towards the existing leadership for their lack of political strategy, which Chaudhry claims is causing suffering for the party and its members.
Chaudhry, a former senior vice-president of the party who parted ways with Khan following the violent protests on May 9, responded to criticisms that those who distanced themselves from Khan are now speaking in his favor, suggesting the “tough time” for the party is over.
He countered this notion, emphasizing that the tough times are far from over for the jailed former premier and other PTI leaders, such as Yasmin Rashid and Ejaz Chaudhry, who remain behind bars.
He further criticized the current PTI leadership, particularly those led by Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, for merely commenting on court verdicts rather than taking meaningful action. According to Chaudhry, “Some people start their journey from Peshawar and return after staging a rally in Lahore,” highlighting a lack of effective political movement.
Chaudhry suggested that “eligible” politicians like Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Pervaiz Elahi, and Asad Qaiser should take the helm of the party. He urged the top PTI leaders to cease “foolish talks” about the early release of Imran Khan through court battles, insisting it was unrealistic.
Interestingly, his comments came at a time when 21 PTI lawmakers, now part of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), hinted at forming a forward bloc due to the top leadership’s failure to secure Khan’s release.
Additionally, PTI Secretary-General Omar Ayub Khan resigned from his party position earlier this week to focus on his parliamentary role as opposition leader in the National Assembly.
Fawad Chaudhry’s affiliation with PTI has been questioned ever since several politicians left the party following the May 9 riots, during which party workers attacked public and military installations nationwide after Khan’s arrest.
On May 24, 2023, Chaudhry announced his decision to “take a break from politics” and part ways with Khan due to the violent events.
A separate political party, Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), was formed by a group of disgruntled PTI leaders, led by Jahangir Tareen, which Chaudhry attended alongside other prominent figures.
Despite these moves, Chaudhry denied quitting PTI after his release from jail in April when the Islamabad High Court granted him bail in all cases against him.
In a veiled message, Chaudhry mentioned that he has yet to share his side of the story regarding the events following May 9, hinting at a future revelation. He also called for dialogue between PTI and all stakeholders, including Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F).
However, Chaudhry’s statements have not been well-received by PTI leadership. PTI Information Secretary Raoof Hasan, speaking on a private TV channel, stated that the party would not accept Chaudhry back.
He suggested that former leaders who left the party during difficult times were now attempting to return due to their political downfall, but the party’s founder disapproved. Hasan added, “I call them rats,” implying that these individuals are seen as disloyal and manipulative, aiming to sow discord within PTI ranks, even as the party grows stronger every day.
I am a dynamic professional, specializing in Peace and Conflict Studies, Conflict Management and Resolution, and International Relations. My expertise is particularly focused on South Asian Conflicts and the intricacies of the Indian Ocean and Asia Pacific Politics. With my skills as a Content Writer, I serve as a bridge between academia and the public, translating complex global issues into accessible narratives. My passion for fostering understanding and cooperation on the national and international stage drives me to make meaningful contributions to peace and global discourse.
