The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has engulfed in internal conflict as prominent leaders vie for position amid escalating tensions.
The discord has escalated to a public feud between former Federal Minister Fawad Chaudhry and key party figure Raoof Hasan, following a controversial post by PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan.
The dispute ignited when Gohar Khan announced via social media that a petition concerning the health and prison conditions of PTI's founder had been filed in the Islamabad High Court. He mentioned that a second petition would be lodged on Monday, leading to questions about the party's legal representation.
In response, Hasan accused Fawad Chaudhry's brother, Faisal Chaudhry, of attempting to create discord within the party. He characterized Faisal's involvement as a ploy to sow division, referencing past unsuccessful attempts to undermine unity within PTI. Hasan asserted that decisions regarding the legal team for the founder's cases would be made exclusively by party-appointed lawyers.
Fawad Chaudhry took to X (formerly Twitter) to defend his brother, sharply criticizing Hasan and alleging that Faisal Chaudhry was pro bono fighting cases for over five PTI workers. He contrasted this with Hassan's salary of Rs750,000 , accusing him of disloyalty and leaking information to agencies, resulting in numerous arrests of party activists.
Faisal Chaudhry, during a private TV channel interview, supported his brother’s claims, stating that he was following directives from the founder and Barrister Gohar, questioning why Hassan was now expressing dissent.
Political analysts have suggested that the PTI is undergoing a fracturing process, with the jailed founder acknowledging the schism within the party. Each meeting with the imprisoned leader appears to result in the formation of new factions, heightening existing tensions.
