Former Federal Minister Fawad Chaudhry has launched a scathing critique of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) political committee,  calling it a "two-taka" entity and accusing its members of failing to take a stand on the treatment of PTI founder Imran Khan while in jail.   In a statement posted on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Chaudhry condemned the committee's silence on Khan's conditions, while highlighting  that many members of the committee had never faced jail time themselves. 

Chaudhry went further, accusing the committee of mismanaging millions of rupees in funding, which had been received in the name of the PTI founder and its workers. "These people have consumed millions in funding and refuse to account for it," Chaudhry said, adding that it was crucial to demand accountability from those whose political worth he described as being "worth two taka."  The remarks came after a public spat between Fawad Chaudhry and PTI leader Barrister Shoaib Shaheen, which escalated into a heated exchange. 

The PTI’s political committee responded to the clash, calling the verbal altercation not just an insult to Shaheen, but also to the party itself.  The committee reiterated its full support for Shoaib Shaheen, stating that Chaudhry was no longer authorized to represent PTI on any platform. The statement accused Chaudhry of distancing himself from the party’s identity under the instructions of PTI’s founding chairman and criticized his tendency to use derogatory language in political disputes.  The feud between Chaudhry and Shaheen came to a head outside Gate No. 5 of Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, where a verbal altercation quickly escalated into physical confrontation.

Chaudhry reportedly slapped Shaheen, causing the latter to fall and injure his arm. Both leaders exchanged abusive language before the jail staff intervened and separated the two. Following the altercation, Fawad Chaudhry proceeded to enter Adiala Jail.  In response to the incident, the PTI political committee issued a statement condemning Chaudhry's behavior, labeling it as "hateful" and “criminal." They reiterated their support for Shoaib Shaheen, praising his commitment to tolerance in the face of provocation.  This latest public conflict highlights the ongoing divisions within PTI, with Chaudhry’s remarks further escalating tensions among party members.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)