Fawad Chaudhry Slams Political Crisis, Gets Bail Extended Till Sept 26

Senior politician and former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry on Thursday criticized the ongoing political instability in the country, calling it a "manufactured crisis harming democratic progress," while securing an extension in his interim bail from the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore. The court extended his bail in multiple cases connected to the May 9 incidents till September 26, 2025.

Fawad appeared before the ATC amid tight security, where his legal team argued for the continuation of bail, citing lack of evidence, political victimization, and ongoing investigations. After reviewing the arguments, the court granted the extension and scheduled the next hearing for late September.

Speaking to media outside the court, Fawad launched a sharp critique of both the current government and sections of the establishment. “The political crisis we are witnessing today is not natural. It has been deliberately deepened to silence dissent, dismantle parties, and deprive the public of true representation,” he stated.

He further said that the political chaos has only benefited "non-political actors" while sidelining voices of the people. “You cannot expect stability when elected representatives are being jailed, and political parties are not allowed to function freely,” he added.

May 9 Cases & Ongoing Legal Battles

Fawad Chaudhry has been facing multiple cases related to the violent protests that erupted across the country on May 9, 2023, following the arrest of PTI Chairman Imran Khan. These protests resulted in the vandalism of public property and attacks on military installations, which led to the registration of numerous FIRs across Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

While Fawad has repeatedly denied involvement in any violence, he was named in several FIRs, mostly under anti-terrorism clauses. His lawyers argue that there is no direct evidence placing him at the scene or linking him to any incitement. “The inclusion of terrorism charges is not just legally weak, it’s politically motivated,” his lead counsel told reporters.

So far, the courts have granted interim relief in these cases, but the prosecution continues to seek time for collecting and presenting evidence. The next hearing is likely to include statements from investigation officers and progress on forensic reports.

PTI Rift & Intra-Party Criticism

In his post-hearing comments, Fawad also appeared to take a subtle dig at the PTI leadership, especially those operating from abroad. “The people who actually led this party are not even here to face the consequences. Meanwhile, those of us on the ground continue to fight legal battles,” he said.

He called for serious introspection within PTI and emphasized the need to rebuild democratic institutions rather than rely on external pressure. “No political movement can survive in isolation or through social media alone. It requires engagement on the ground, connection with the people, and respect for law.”

Though Fawad stopped short of announcing any formal separation from PTI, his recent statements indicate growing frustration and possible political repositioning.

Calls for Political Dialogue

Fawad concluded his media talk by urging all political parties, the judiciary, and the establishment to engage in constructive dialogue. “Pakistan cannot afford endless instability. The country needs electoral reforms, institutional balance, and a return to constitutionalism,” he stressed.

He said the only way forward is a free, fair, and transparent general election. “Let the people decide who should lead. That is the only democratic way out of this mess,” he added.

With the next hearing now set for September 26, all eyes are on whether the prosecution will present any substantial evidence — and whether Fawad Chaudhry’s increasingly vocal stance signals a new chapter in his political journey.

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