PML-N leaders caught off guard by PTI ban announcement: Fawad Chaudhry

Former PTI leader says country’s politics cannot move forward without party founder Imran Khan

Former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry claimed that leaders of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) were taken by surprise by the government's announcement to ban the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

Speaking during an interview on a local news channel on Wednesday, he emphasised that the government must justify its decision to ban PTI.

“Even PML-N leaders were surprised by the announcement of banning PTI,” Chaudhry said, highlighting that the country’s politics cannot move forward without the party's founder. He added that many Pakistanis continue to support Imran Khan despite his imprisonment.

Chaudhry criticised PTI’s current strategy, stating it has failed to secure Khan's release from jail. “My criticism is not on PTI leadership, but on strategy. PTI is a big party, but the strategy adopted is not right,” he added.

He suggested that PTI should form alliances with parties like JUI-F, JI, and GDA to strengthen its position. He reiterated the need for PTI to adopt a better political strategy and collaborate with other parties to exert pressure for Khan’s release.