LAHORE(National Times)- Former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry lamented that they (the sidelined leaders of the party) are being squeezed between the government and an incompetent opposition, Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI). Speaking to the media outside the court in Lahore, Chaudhry said the political situation in Pakistan is at its worst, with internal political conflicts between the government and PTI creating difficulties for the public. He noted that the decisions being made are visible to everyone—“In the morning someone announces a protest, all leadership goes to Adiala Jail, eats and returns, but the ordinary worker suffers. How long this will continue, I do not know.” He criticised the current political crisis, stating that it lacks both politics and advocacy. “You should have adopted a strategy like Rahul Gandhi did in India, presenting evidence against the Election Commission,” he said. He added that Pakistan is currently in a situation of uncertainty, and the distance between the public and the government is widening.

Interim bail extended

Earlier, an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore held a hearing regarding Chaudhry’s interim bail in five separate cases. These cases include allegations that he incited his party workers to burn police vehicles and incited protests. Chaudhry appeared in court and informed that the investigations are complete, and his lawyer concluded the arguments. The prosecutor reported that bail was already granted in three cases involving the torching of police vehicles near Jinnah House, and two more bail applications were also filed for incidents in Mughalpura and Zaman Park. After hearing the arguments, the court extended Chaudhry’s interim bail until September 26.