Do Not Ruin Politics by Handing It Over to Children, Fawad Chaudhry Warns Nawaz Sharif

Lahore: Former federal minister and ex-Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Fawad Chaudhry has warned Nawaz Sharif against, what he termed, “handing over politics to children,” saying such actions would further damage the political system and the country.

Speaking to the media after appearing before an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore, Fawad Chaudhry said that senior political figures are being pushed out, adding that if this continues, Pakistan could face instability similar to Afghanistan. He said he appeared before the court for the 325th time and has been facing court hearings for the past three years.

Fawad Chaudhry said those currently imprisoned are close to his heart, stressing that PTI believes in dialogue. He added that overseas Pakistanis have conveyed that they are ready to invest in the country if political tensions are reduced.

He urged the government to release what he termed “political prisoners,” including Bushra Bibi, Yasmin Rashid, Ejaz Chaudhry, and Mahmood Rashid. Highlighting Yasmin Rashid’s health condition, he said she is a cancer patient and questioned what the government hopes to achieve by keeping her detained. He added that convincing Imran Khan is not difficult, but a conducive environment for talks is essential. He claimed that those genuinely seeking negotiations are behind bars, while “guest actors” within PTI are being given free rein.

Criticizing the government’s economic performance, Fawad Chaudhry said that according to official reports, 30 percent of the population cannot afford two meals a day, while 20 percent cannot afford food of their choice. He said people’s income levels have fallen back to 2015 levels, while prices of petrol, diesel, energy, and other essentials have increased by nearly 200 percent over the past two to three years. He added that the construction and real estate sectors have collapsed due to these policies.

He further criticized the government for not purchasing wheat from farmers and for restricting them from selling it externally, calling the situation a daily spectacle. He said that awarding long prison sentences would not solve the country’s problems.

Referring to PTI leadership, Fawad Chaudhry said that if Gohar Khan is the party chairman, he should assert his authority. He also mentioned that Sohail Afridi is traveling to Karachi, praising him for moving forward with courage and restraint.

Meanwhile, the Anti-Terrorism Court extended Fawad Chaudhry’s interim bail until February 13 in seven cases related to the May 9 incidents. The court also directed the prosecution to present the complete record of the relevant cases at the next hearing.

ATC Judge Manzar Ali Gul heard the case. Fawad Chaudhry appeared before the court along with his lawyers as his interim bail period expired on Friday. The cases against him include allegations of vehicle arson near Jinnah House Chowk and violence and unrest at Sherpao Bridge.