PML-N Leaders Surprised by PTI Ban Announcement: Fawad Chaudhry

The leaders of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) were reportedly 'surprised' by the government's announcement to ban the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), according to former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry. Speaking on the ARY News program 'The Reporter,' Chaudhry insisted that the government would need substantial justification for such a ban on Imran Khan's party.

'Even PML-N leaders were surprised by the announcement of banning the PTI,' Chaudhry remarked, adding that the nation's politics cannot progress without the PTI founder. He also noted that the PML-N's primary aim was to dismantle the PTI and its leader, but recognized that the PTI managed to secure a majority in the previous election.

Chaudhry went on to criticize the strategy adopted by PTI, which he argued has failed to secure the release of Imran Khan from jail. 'My criticism is not on the PTI leadership but on its strategy. PTI is a big party, but the strategy adopted is not right,' he stated, according to ARY News. He further recommended that the PTI should have formed alliances with parties opposing the February 8 election to strengthen its political agenda.

According to Chaudhry, the PTI has been overly reliant on legal avenues and lacks a concrete political plan. He suggested that the PTI should align with parties like JUI-F, Jamat-e-Islami, and GDA to consolidate Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on a unified platform. 'JUI-F and PTI have the street power to jointly hold protests and exert pressure for Imran Khan's release from jail,' he said, emphasizing the potential for a powerful alliance. Despite the current situation, Chaudhry affirmed his continuing membership in the PTI.

During his appearance on another ARY News program, 'Off The Record,' Chaudhry claimed that individuals had taken over PTI, sidelining long-time members. He mentioned that he might have been a minister by now if he had left the party based on his credentials in Forms 47.

(With inputs from agencies.)