Pakistan Today (Lahore)

Hamid Khan, Fawad Ch trade barbs over return to PTI fold

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 intraparty 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.