READ: Chaudhry Parvez Elahi — From ‘mitti pao’ to a defiant stand

Published
0

Along with his extended family, Cha­u­dhry Parvez Elahi was once regarded as one of those politicians who rarely stray too far from the establishment’s ‘right’ side.

It wasn’t until recently that he made the mistake of trying to break free from that centre of gravity of all political power. It has cost him dearly and landed him in no man’s land.

Despite his impressive CV — he has served twice as chief minister and speaker of the Punjab Assembly, once as deputy prime minister, has held federal and provincial minister-ships and is the current president of the PTI — Mr Elahi is currently languishing in jail and the chances of him walking free anytime soon seem quite slim.

His family — once regarded as a paragon of unity in Pakistan’s politics — is split down the middle and fighting itself. His son is encamped abroad, away from the establishment’s grasp.

Read more here.

Illustration by Abdul Sattar Abbasi
Illustration by Abdul Sattar Abbasi

Opinion

Editorial

Kashmir unresolved
Updated 30 Sep, 2026

Kashmir unresolved

The just solution lies in India addressing the issue through a trilateral dialogue involving the legitimate representatives of the Kashmiri people and Pakistan.
Water shortage
30 Sep, 2026

Water shortage

THAT the country is entering the Rabi season with an anticipated water shortage of nearly 25pc, the lowest carryover...
Young hearts
30 Sep, 2026

Young hearts

THE observance may have passed, but the message of World Heart Day should not fade with it. The occasion is a useful...
Terror and politics
Updated 29 Sep, 2026

Terror and politics

There is an urgent need to tone down the rhetoric and tackle terrorism as a collective challenge for both the affected provinces and the federation.
Watching the glaciers
29 Sep, 2026

Watching the glaciers

THE latest signs from Pakistan’s mountains are worrying. Suparco says the number of unfrozen glacial lakes it...
Dangerous agenda
29 Sep, 2026

Dangerous agenda

AS the world remains fixated on the US-Iran conflict, elsewhere in the Middle East, Israel is consolidating its grip...