After a spectacular run to the Islamabad High Court to avoid re-arrest, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senior Vice-President Fawad Chaudhry sharply condemned the May 9 violent protests sparked by Imran Khan’s imprisonment.
On May 9, Khan was arrested by Rangers from the Islamabad High Court (IHC) in response to National Accountability Bureau (NAB) directives in the Al-Qadir Trust case.
The incidents were described as “extremely shameful” by the top PTI politician, who also serves as the party’s spokesperson.
“Pakistan exists because the Pakistan Army exists, and we must design our policies with this in mind,” the politician stated, speaking to journalists outside the IHC after midnight.
Fawad had just seated in his car after obtaining bail from IHC and had hardly moved when he noticed anti-terrorist squad soldiers approaching him.
To avoid arrest, the former information minister jumped out of his car and dashed towards the courthouse.
Surprisingly, the police moved to arrest the PTI leader notwithstanding his submission at the IHC of an undertaking not to violate Section 144 or participate in rallies.
The arrest of PTI leaders Fawad, Shireen Mazari, and Senator Falak Naz under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Ordinance (MPO) was deemed “illegal” by the court.
During the media interview, the politician discussed his military service.
“I am from Jhelum, which is the home of martyrs and ghazis.” It is more sacred to us than our blood relatives and families.”
The PTI leader expressed regret for the attack on the Corp Commander House and the General Headquarters (GHQ) on the day of the mayhem, saying that everyone linked with Pakistan and its military was “obviously saddened” and their hearts were bleeding bloody tears.
“As a PTI spokesperson, I believe these events were quite dishonorable. Those involved in the incidents, whether PTI members or not, should face punishment after an investigation, he said.
Commenting on the condition of affairs that have emerged in the aftermath of the May 9 events, which the military has described as a “dark chapter” in history, Fawad stated that his party is affiliated with Pakistan, which also identifies them with its army.
After attempting to elude police all day by shielding himself within the court, the lawmaker told reporters late at night that he is “ready to be arrested” and fled the grounds.
Earlier this week, the military’s top brass vowed to prosecute protesters and their abettors under relevant laws, including the Pakistan Army Act and the Official Secrets Act, during a Special Corps Commanders Conference (CCC) held at the General Headquarters with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir in the chair.
“The forum expressed [a] firm resolve that those involved in these heinous crimes against military installations and personal/equipment will be brought to justice through trials under relevant Pakistani laws, including the Pakistan Army Act and the Official Secrets Act,” according to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations.
The PTI, a day earlier, said it considers the ISPR statement “immensely important” calling for an inquiry into the events that unfolded last week.
