ISLAMABAD: Senior leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Hamid Khan and former party leader Fawad Chaudhry have entered into a verbal spat over return of Chaudhry to the PTI fold, triggering a new controversy surrounding Imran Khan-led party.
Hamid Khan has categorically stated that the return of Fawad Chaudhry to the party is highly unlikely, citing the formation of a splinter group aimed at undermining PTI.
Speaking to local TV channel, Khan revealed that Chaudhry and Imran Ismail had aligned themselves with the newly formed Istehkam Party, continuing to issue statements against PTI’s leadership. Addressing Imran Khan’s imprisonment, Khan, a prominent lawyer, expressed skepticism over negotiation prospects, alleging that influential quarters prefer Khan remain incarcerated.
Acknowledging internal dissent common to political parties, Khan clarified that Umar Ayub’s resignation did not stem from intra-party differences.
However, responding to Hamid Khan, Fawad Chaudhry responded strongly to Hamid Khan’s statement, stating that people like Hamid Khan are damaging the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
Hamid Khan claimed that Fawad Chaudhry had left the PTI when it was facing a tough situation. “Now, how can he rejoin the party? Chaudhry has no right to return to the party,” Khan was quoted as saying.
Speaking to media persons outside the anti-terrorism court in Lahore on Saturday, Fawad Chaudhry said that Hamid Khan does not want people in the party who might overshadow him. He said that the people currently facing cases are genuine party activists.
Chaudhry termed the statement issued by the federal minister for defense, Khawaja Asif, inappropriate. He mentioned that Operation Azm-e-Istehkam has become controversial even before its start. He said that the rulers cannot move forward without taking the opposition into confidence.
He also claimed that the government is planning to introduce amendments regarding the transfers of judges, which he claimed would negatively impact the judicial system.
Recently, Fawad Chaudhry had disclosed in an interview with an American broadcasting organization that Khan had temporarily stepped back from politics to alleviate mental and physical distress, following advice to avoid further strain.
Chaudhry recounted Khan’s concern for his well-being upon release from detention, sharing details of alleged mistreatment. He claimed Khan had advised him to distance himself temporarily from PTI leadership due to escalating tensions.
Chaudhry suggested that current PTI leadership fears Khan’s return could displace them, paving the way for a resurgence of figures like Asad Umar, Imran Ismail, and Ali Zaidi.
The situation underscores ongoing turbulence within PTI, highlighting broader implications for its internal cohesion and leadership dynamics.
