ISLAMABAD (ABN News): Senior Pakistani politician Fawad Chaudhry has once again voiced strong support for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), declaring that the party’s founder, Imran Khan, continues to live in the hearts of the people and remains a highly popular figure across the country.
Speaking at ABN News’ program “Debate@8”, Chaudhry emphasized that those who believe Imran Khan has lost influence are living in a “fool’s paradise.” He said the PTI founder’s narrative still resonates powerfully with the public and poses a continuous challenge to his political opponents.
He strongly criticized the state’s use of coercive force, calling it a deliberate policy to suppress PTI’s popularity. “If the past three years of the ‘baton policy’ have failed to deliver results, how can anyone expect it to succeed in the next three?” he questioned.
Fawad Chaudhry stated that if Imran Khan returns to power, he should assure current rulers that they will not be treated the same way he has been treated. He highlighted the absence of a conducive environment for dialogue, blaming in part the pressure created by social media, which has hardened political narratives on both sides.
Interestingly, Chaudhry also offered partial criticism of PTI’s own political strategy, acknowledging that at times the party’s approach has contributed to worsening the political crisis.
He accused the government of deliberately adopting a hardline stance, driven by the fear that any leniency would enable Imran Khan to regain his strength. “This mindset has led to a crackdown at every level,” he said.
In conclusion, Fawad Chaudhry stressed the urgent need for seriousness from both sides to improve the situation. “The current state of affairs is neither beneficial for democracy nor for the country’s stability,” he warned.
