Sit with establishment to form national govt, Fawad urges top leaders

ISLAMABAD: Former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry has urged political leaders, including Asif Ali Zardari, Nawaz Sharif, and Imran Khan, to sit with the establishment and form a ‘national government’, jointly selecting a new prime minister. 

Speaking to the media here on Wednesday, Fawad Chaudhry called on President Asif Ali Zardari to convene an all-parties conference (APC) for the purpose, inviting Imran Khan, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, and Nawaz Sharif to participate.

“Zardari, Nawaz, and Imran should sit with the establishment and other key political figures, including Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Mehmood Achakzai, to chart a way forward,” he added.

Chaudhry criticised the national security committee meeting, saying, “If Imran Khan and Nawaz Sharif were not part of it, then what kind of meeting was it? Pakistan’s leader is Imran Khan, followed by Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Nawaz Sharif. These leaders must be brought together.” 

It may be noted here that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had opted not to attend the security meeting, which called for immediate implementation of the National Action Plan and a strategy to eradicate terrorist networks and counter logistical support.

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“Pakistan appeared deeply divided,” Fawad Chaudhry said, noting that key figures such as Imran Khan, Akhtar Mengal, Mehmood Achakzai, and Balochistan’s real leadership were absent from the national security meeting.

Continue pitching the idea of a ‘national government’ the former minister stressed that forming such a government was the only viable solution, with the next prime minister being chosen through consensus among Imran Khan, Nawaz Sharif, and Zardari.

He added that provincial governments should continue functioning while a transparent election process is finalised with Imran Khan. 

He also raised concerns about rising attacks on religious scholars in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, blaming political infighting for allowing enemies to exploit the situation.

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Referring to former army chief General (retd) Raheel Sharif’s leadership after the APS Peshawar tragedy, he said Pakistan once again needed such unity to establish a strong national action plan. 

Chaudhry urged political leaders to prioritise national interests over personal and political ambitions, criticising government ministers for linking Imran Khan to separatist elements even while the Jaffar Express operation was ongoing. “If Pakistan’s largest political party, PTI, is being labeled as separatist, whose narrative are you strengthening?” he questioned. 

He reiterated that Imran Khan’s only fault was being a widely popular leader and called for setting a date for new elections to stabilise the country. 

Responding to a journalist’s question, Chaudhry revealed that Imran Khan had previously engaged in extensive negotiations with the PML-N and PPP before and after their government was formed. However, he blamed government figures like Rana Sanaullah, Ishaq Dar, Ayaz Sadiq, and Irfan Siddiqui for obstructing dialogue, ultimately leading to the collapse of negotiations.

He reaffirmed that Imran Khan was still open to talks.