Fawad Chaudhry critiques PTI Leaders’ Inaction, Sher Afzal calls for new leadership amid protests
Senior politician Fawad Chaudhry has raised concerns about the challenges facing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) activists, alleging that party leaders are failing to step up during these trying times, as reported by Express News.
Speaking outside an anti-terrorism court in Lahore, where hearings for the cases of Azam Swati and Fawad Chaudhry from May 9 were ongoing, he expressed his frustration with the current state of the party.
The court extended their interim bail in these cases.
Chaudhry questioned, “We’ve appeared before the anti-terrorism court for the 517th time; does that imply we are all terrorists? If so, why do the people of Pakistan vote for us?”
He criticized the lack of engagement from PTI leaders, saying, “No one is willing to face the public while our activists struggle. All the hard work is on the ground, but the leaders are hiding away.” He also described Salman Akram Raja’s behavior as reminiscent of a 1970s don, indicating that the leadership seems disconnected from the arrests facing their supporters.
Expressing concern for the party’s supporters, he stated, “They are languishing in jails while leaders live in comfort. My entire family is on the exit control list, yet these leaders remain unfazed and lack a plan to secure the release of the party’s founding member.”
Chaudhry urged senior party figures like Bushra Bibi and Aleema Khan to enter politics and help devise strategies for the party’s future and the release of its founder.
In a separate interview, Sher Afzal Marwat suggested that someone other than Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur should lead the party’s upcoming protests.
Speaking on a private TV channel, Marwat expressed his respect for Gandapur but emphasized the need for new leadership during protests to prevent the opposition from capitalizing on the situation.
He raised concerns that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and other parties might accuse the province of attacking the federal government and misusing public resources.
Marwat cautioned that Gandapur’s involvement in the protests could provide grounds for imposing governor’s rule in the province, further undermining the existing government.
We need to showcase our leadership rather than relying solely on Ali Amin. While we can benefit from his support, a more strategic approach is essential, he stated.
