ISLAMABAD: Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi are serious about forming a political alliance [against the government], but they are reluctant to do so due to ‘immature’ leadership of the PTI, said former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry while talking to Dawn.

He claimed that he had held meetings with both the leaders in the last few days and they showed interest in establishing a political alliance.

It will be a mistake, rather a blunder, by the PTI if it tries to launch a movement against the government without gathering all opposition parties at one platform, he said.

“On the other hand, a feeling within the PTI is increasing that the current leadership of the party lacks strategy to get Imran Khan released. Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Salman Akram Raja and Sheikh Waqas Akram have nothing to do with the PTI as they are the product of post-May 9,” he said.

Fawad Chaudhry said the distance between the current leadership, parliamentarians and workers was also increasing.

“Founding Chairman Imran Khan has been in jail for around 600 days but the party could not do anything for his release,” he alleged.

A ‘turncoat’

On the other hand, PTI’s political committee claimed that Fawad Chaudhry was a turncoat and a deserter who left the party’s political struggle launched for revival of the constitution, rule of law and democracy in the country.

“Worse still, he continues to demonstrate the vile art of hypocrisy, a sinister trait in which he excels! His dastardly conduct further reflects the frustration that Fawad Chaudhry may be suffering from when, as per instructions of the founding chairman Imran Ahmad Khan Niazi, the party announced its complete dissociation from his person. It was also announced that Fawad Chaudhry would not represent the party at any forum in any manner whatsoever,” it stated in a statement.

It is worth mentioning that Fawad Chaudhry had parted ways with the PTI after the incident of May 9. However, he has again started meeting Imran Khan.

While talking to Dawn, he said he never joined any party although he had an option to join Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party and it was quite easy for him to become a minister. He claimed that he never left the PTI.

Last week, Fawad Chaudhry scuffled with PTI leader Shoaib Shaheen outside the Adiala jail.

Published in Dawn, February 19th, 2025