Following a thrilling dash to the Islamabad High Court, skillfully evading the possibility of re-arrest, Fawad Chaudhry, the Senior Vice-President of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
Fawad Chaudhry expressed strong condemnation towards the violent protests that erupted on May 9, triggered by the arrest of the party’s leader, Imran Khan. Read more.
On May 9, Imran Khan was apprehended by Rangers personnel from the Islamabad High Court (IHC) in response to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) orders regarding the Al-Qadir Trust case.
As the party’s spokesperson, the esteemed PTI leader labeled the events “exceedingly disgraceful.”
Speaking with journalists outside the IHC in the early morning hours, the politician emphasized, “Pakistan exists because Pakistan Army exists, and we must shape our policies with this perspective in mind.”
Just a day before, Fawad Chaudhry had barely settled into his car after securing bail from the IHC when he noticed members of the anti-terrorist squad approaching him.
Reacting swiftly, the former Minister of Information exited his vehicle and hastened towards the court’s premises to evade arrest.
Despite Fawad submitting an undertaking in the IHC, vowing not to violate section 144 or participate in protests, the police still attempted to arrest the PTI leader.
The court had previously deemed the arrest of Fawad Chaudhry, Shireen Mazari, and Senator Falak Naz under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Ordinance (MPO) “illegitimate.”
During the media interaction, the politician spoke about his close affiliation with the military.
“I hail from Jhelum, a district home to martyrs and heroes. It holds greater significance to us than our families and blood relations.”
Expressing remorse, the PTI leader addressed the attack on the Corps Commander House and the General Headquarters (GHQ) amidst the chaos, stating that anyone associated with Pakistan and its military was “undeniably saddened,” and their hearts bled tears of anguish.
“As the PTI spokesperson, I consider these events highly deplorable. Regardless of their party affiliation, those involved should be punished following a thorough inquiry,” he emphasized.
Reflecting on the aftermath of the May 9 events, which the military referred to as a “dark chapter” in history, Fawad Chaudhry remarked that his party is closely tied to Pakistan, which inherently links them to its armed forces.
After a day-long evasion inside the court premises, striving to elude the police, the politician, speaking with the media late at night, expressed his willingness to face arrest and departed from the scene.
Earlier in the week, during a Special Corps Commanders Conference (CCC) held at the General Headquarters, attended by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir, the military’s top brass pledged to prosecute the protesters and their collaborators under relevant laws, including the Pakistan Army Act and the Official Secrets Act, in response to their assault on military installations.
“The forum expressed a resolute determination to bring to justice those involved in these abhorrent crimes against military installations, personnel, and equipment through trials under the pertinent laws of Pakistan, including the Pakistan Army Act and the Official Secrets Act,” stated the Inter-Services Public Relations.
A day prior, PTI acknowledged the ISPR statement as “of immense importance,” advocating for an inquiry into the previous week’s events.
